Pokémon announces new split expansion TCG set – Black Bolt & White Flare

New TCG/Black Bolt & White Flare

If you are a fan of the Black and White era of Pokémon, then this new Pokémon TCG set is one you will love! Pokémon is doing something it hasn’t done in years: splitting a major TCG expansion down the middle. Starting July 18, the new Black Bolt and White Flare sets bring 156 Unova Pokémon back into the spotlight. Here is what you should know.

Here is what makes this split expansion unique

• Two sides, one region: All 156 Unova Pokémon will be split between the two sets: each with illustration rare or special illustration rare versions.
• Zekrom vs Reshiram: Legendary Pokémon headline the expansions—Zekrom for Black Bolt, Reshiram for White Flare.
• Return of Black & White vibes: Expect nostalgic foil patterns and retro-style Basic Energy cards inspired by the original BW series.
• New “Black White rare” cards: These stylized cards come in either full black or white monochrome art.
• Three foil variants: Each expansion includes three different parallel foil sets, two of which shimmer with either a rainbow Poké Ball or Master Ball pattern.

There are also some key card types to highlight for these new sets:

• Six Pokémon ex
• Eight ultra rare Pokémon and Supporter cards
• One illustration rare or special illustration rare card for each Unova Pokémon
• One special illustration rare Supporter card

I am very excited to see all the new artworks. The good thing is that we won’t have to wait too long for the release of these sets. But they are taking a staggered rollout approach.

Product lineup and dates

As I mentioned above, Pokémon TCG is taking a staggered release approach with a multitude of different products for the new set.

• July 18th
  • 2 Elite Trainer Box types (Black Bolt or White Flare): 9 booster packs, Thundurus or Tornadus promo card, and accessories.
  • Binder Collection: 5 booster packs + 9-pocket album featuring Zekrom or Reshiram.
  • Unova Poster Collection: 4 booster packs (2 from each set), promo cards of Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, and a full-size reversible Unova poster.
  • Mini Tin: It contains one booster from each set, an art card, and a sticker card.
• August 1st
  • Tech Sticker Collection: Three booster packs, a promo card (Reuniclus or Gothitelle), and a sticker sheet to customize your gear.
  • Victini Illustration Collection: 4 total booster packs (2 from each set), 1 Victini promo, one premium parallel Poké Ball Victini card, and an oversized illustration rare promo card.
• August 22nd
  • Booster Bundle (Black Bolt or White Flare): 6 booster packs per bundle.
    

Final thoughts

I for one am excited and curious to see what these new card will look like. Pokemon TCG has been on a crazy tear with amazing products, cards and artworks. So this new expansion set will be no different! We’ll cover Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and White Flare in detail once the products are in hand, so follow our YouTube channel and check out 9to5Toys.com for early unboxings and first impressions. This is going to be a fun one!

In the meantime be sure to check out our Tag Grading series!