The Pokémon Company has officially unveiled an electrifying new chapter in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (Pokémon TCG) and this time, it’s double the power. Launching globally on July 18, 2025, the twin expansions Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet—White Flare promise to reignite nostalgia with a full-force Unova Region revival, including over 150 returning Pokémon, rare collector cards, and the reintroduction of Black & White era design elements.
Unova Region Takes Center Stage
The latest dual expansion brings back all 156 Pokémon from the Unova region, each receiving the spotlight with either illustration rare or special illustration rare versions across the two sets. Fans of the classic Pokémon Black and White titles will be thrilled to see Legendary Pokémon Zekrom leading Black Bolt and Reshiram fronting White Flare.
But it’s not just about familiar faces—these sets bring serious collector value and gameplay enhancements that aim to shake up both competitive and casual play.
Old-School Cool: Black & White Aesthetic Returns
Both expansions will feature a mix of modern and nostalgic card styles. Look out for:
- Three parallel foil sets, including the highly sought-after rainbow Poké Ball and Master Ball patterns.
- Classic Basic Energy cards sporting their original Black & White Series foil treatments.
- Introduction of the new Black White rare cards—monochromatic masterpieces rendered entirely in black or white, celebrating the theme of each set.
Key Card Highlights from Each Expansion
Across Black Bolt and White Flare, here’s what players and collectors can expect:
- 6 Pokémon ex
- 8 ultra rare Pokémon and Supporter cards
- 1 special illustration rare card for each Unova Pokémon
- 1 special illustration rare Supporter card per set
With this format, every booster pack carries the potential for an eye-catching, rare pull.
Here’s What’s Coming to Shelves
Whether you’re a dedicated collector or a new trainer diving into the world of Pokémon TCG, the new product lineup has something for everyone:
Available July 18, 2025
- Elite Trainer Boxes – Featuring either Zekrom (Black Bolt) or Reshiram (White Flare), each box includes 9 booster packs and a promo card (Thundurus or Tornadus).
- Binder Collection – Comes with 5 booster packs and a nine-pocket binder featuring legendary cover art.
- Unova Poster Collection – Includes 4 total booster packs (2 of each expansion), 3 promo cards (Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott), and a double-sided Unova region poster.
- Unova Mini Tins – Each tin packs 2 booster packs, an art card, and a collectible sticker card.
Coming August 1, 2025
- Tech Sticker Collection – Includes 3 booster packs, an illustration rare promo (Reuniclus or Gothitelle), and a tech sticker sheet.
- Victini Illustration Collection – Includes 4 booster packs, a premium foil promo card, and an oversize Victini artwork card.
Available August 22, 2025
- Booster Bundles – For players who want to dive straight into the action, these bundles offer 6 booster packs per expansion.
Digital Debut: Available on Pokémon TCG Live July 17
Eager fans won’t have to wait until launch day to explore the new sets. Pokémon TCG Live will feature both expansions a day early on July 17, 2025 across iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. Log in to collect and battle with Unova Pokémon, and enjoy exclusive in-game bonuses.
Don’t miss the launch on July 18, 2025, and be sure to check out Pokemon.co.uk/TCG for full details and product previews.
