Get ready, trainers! For the first time ever, we're not getting just one new special set, but two separate yet related sets releasing at the same time – Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet—White Flare. Following the Japanese format of split sets, this marks a significant shift in how new cards are introduced in English. These sets will also be the first time Japanese and English sets directly share the same name.
The first products for these sets will be available starting on July 18, 2025, with further releases scheduled through August 22, 2025. The release timing celebrates the 15th anniversary of the original Pokémon Black and White games, which first introduced the Unova region.
A Celebration of Unova
Both Black Bolt and White Flare are a deep dive into the Unova region, featuring all 156 Pokémon originally discovered there.
Possibly the most exciting thing about these sets is that each Unova Pokémon will receive an illustration rare or special illustration rare card spread across the two sets. This is a first for the trading card game series!
Highlights
- The sets combine to include over 800 cards 🤯
- More than 65 illustration rare (IR) cards and more than 5 special illustration rare (SIR) cards in each set.
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Six Pokémon ex in each set.
- Eight ultra rare Pokémon and Supporter cards in each set.
- One special illustration rare Supporter card per set.
- Basic Energy cards featuring the original Black & White Series designs.
- Three different parallel foil sets, two of which will feature either a rainbow Poké Ball or Master Ball pattern shimmering across the card.
- A brand-new rarity is being introduced: Black White rare cards. These cards will feature illustrations in a monochromatic black or white design.
What products will be available?
Like other special sets, TPCi will not be selling booster boxes or individual packs of Black Bolt or White Flare. You can only find packs inside specially released products:
Elite Trainer Boxes (Available July 18, 2025): Contains nine booster packs (of the respective set), an illustration rare style promo card featuring Thundurus or Tornadus (respectively), and gameplay accessories.
Binder Collection (Available July 18, 2025): Includes five booster packs (of the respective set) and a nine-pocket album featuring Zekrom or Reshiram (respectively).
Poster Collection (Available July 18, 2025): Comes with two Black Bolt packs, two White Flare packs, three promo cards featuring the Unova starter Pokémon Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, and a full-size, two-sided poster.
Mini Tin (Available July 18, 2025): Includes one Black Bolt pack, one White Flare pack, an art card, and a sticker card matching the tin's art.
Tech Sticker Collection (Available Aug. 1, 2025): Features three booster packs (of the respective set), an illustration rare style promo card featuring Reuniclus or Gothitelle (respectively), and a sticker sheet.
Victini Illustration Collection (Available Aug. 1, 2025): Includes two Black Bolt packs, two White Flare packs, an illustration rare style promo card featuring Victini, a premium parallel Poké Ball card featuring Victini, and an oversize illustration rare style foil promo card featuring Victini.
Booster Bundles (Available Aug. 22, 2025): Contains six booster packs of the respective set.