A Bold New Expansion - Scarlet & Violet Black & White

This summer, Pokémon TCG is introducing a split expansion—a first for English release—reviving Generation V with two connected yet distinct sets:

• Black Bolt (centered on Zekrom)

• White Flare (focused on Reshiram)

Both sets bring back 156 Unova region Pokémon, each receiving either an Illustration Rare or Special Illustration Rare card. Enthusiasts also get new “Black White rare” cards featuring striking monochrome artwork—a creative nod to the Black & White era.

Release Timeline & Products

The first wave drops July 18, 2025, with the full rollout through August 22, 2025. These aren’t traditional booster boxes: cards come in curated product lines only: (these dates may change)

• Elite Trainer Box - 9 booster packs, promo illustration rare (e.g. Thundurus/Tornadus), gameplay accessories

• Binder Collection - 5 boosters, Zekrom/Reshiram binder

• Poster Collection - 2 Black Bolt + 2 White Flare packs, Snivy/Tepig/Oshawott promos, 2‑sided poster

• Mini Tin - 1 booster each, art card, sticker

• Tech Sticker Collection - 3 boosters + promo Reuniclus/Gothitelle, laptop stickers

• Victini Illustration Collection - 2 boosters from each, Victini promos, oversized foil promo

• Booster Bundle - 6 booster packs of a single expansion

Set Size & Composition

• Each half contains roughly 86 cards before secret rares

• Across both sets: 170+ cards, including:

  • 156 illustrations (1 per Unova Pokémon)

  • 6 Pokémon‑ex (e.g. Zekrom‑ex, Reshiram‑ex, Meloetta‑ex, Keldeo‑ex)

  • 8 additional ultra rares (trainer/supporter cards)

  • Over 65 illustration rares + 5+ special illustration rares

  • Multiple parallel foil variants: standard, Poké Ball rainbow, and Master Ball shimmer

Most Valuable & Rarest Cards

Collectors and investors have identified some standout chase cards:

• Seismitoad (Illustration Rare)

• Oshawott (Illustration Rare)

• Excadrill‑eX

Other top potential haul includes many illustration rares, ex cards, and trainer/supporter specials—even though specific prices remain speculative pending secondary-market activity. 

Looking back at similar value trends in the Gen 5 era, Zekrom and Reshiram full-art cards were extremely sought after—rising to $150–$200 apiece ungraded; secret rares and graded versions significantly more.

Black Bolt premium booster packs in Japan averaged about $32–$33 USD, signaling strong interest—and expect collectors to chase those rare Black White-style parallels too.

Why It Matters

• A global-first: dual split expansions, both named identically to their Japanese counterparts 

• Nostalgia meets novelty: 156 Unova Pokémon, striking monochrome art, and rare foil treatments offer something unique.

• Product strategy: available only via themed sets—no standalone boosters—drives demand for full boxed sets.

Tips for Collectors & Players

• Buy early: Elite Trainer Boxes and Binder Collections are great for gameplay and securing sought-after promos.

1. Hunt illustration rares: These are the likely future chase cards for collectors.

2. Parallel foils = value: Rainbow/Master Ball/holo monochrome variants are limited and may appreciate.

3. Track secondary market: Keep an eye on PriceCharting & eBay for emerging valuations—especially as sealed sets hit North America.

Final Take

Scarlet & Violet – Black Bolt and White Flare mark a bold return to fan-favorite Unova, delivering deep content, rare card variants, and nostalgic art direction—all packaged in a collector-focused release. Whether you're in it for competitive play or chasing investment-grade pulls, this split expansion is a must-watch and a potential powerhouse in both scenes.

Happy pulling—and may your Reshiram shine white and Zekrom flash black!