The Pokémon TCG Celebrates Unova with the New “Black Bolt” & “White Flare” Sets!

Big news for Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) fans! Today, The Pokémon Company revealed a brand-new dual expansion set: Black Bolt and White Flare. Launching globally on July 18, 2025, this special release is a love letter to the Unova region, bringing back all the excitement of Generation V in a fresh, collectible way.

What’s Inside Black Bolt & White Flare?

These twin sets celebrate the full Unova Pokédex — every single one of the 156 Pokémon introduced in Black & White will be featured. Even better, each of these Pokémon will get its own Illustration Rare card, making it a must-have set for collectors and nostalgic fans alike.

Among the most exciting additions is a brand-new card rarity, dubbed BWR (Black and White Rare). These special cards feature a sleek, black-and-white monochrome design and will highlight some of Unova’s most iconic Pokémon, including:

• Reshiram

• Zekrom

• Victini

These cards are not just unique — they’re stunning, and they promise to be highly sought-after additions to any collection.

Special Product-Only Format

Unlike traditional sets, Black Bolt and White Flare won’t be sold in standard booster packs. Instead, they’ll be available exclusively through curated products such as:

• Elite Trainer Boxes

• Mini Tins

• Poster and Binder Collections

This special-release format makes the set feel even more like an event — ideal for fans who love premium packaging and display options.

Early Digital Release on TCG Live

For digital players, good news: the expansion will arrive on Pokémon TCG Live one day early, on July 17, 2025. Whether you play online or collect physically, you’ll get to experience the Unova magic in your preferred format.

Why This Set Matters

Much like the recent “151” set that honored the original Kanto Pokémon, this release is part of a growing trend of nostalgia-powered expansions. But Black Bolt and White Flare stand out with their complete regional representation, striking art, and bold new rarity category. Whether you're a longtime player, a collector, or just someone who loves Unova, this set feels like a celebration of everything that made Generation V memorable.

🛒 Pro Tip: With the demand for Illustration Rares and the new BWR cards expected to be sky-high, keep an eye on pre-order dates from your favorite retailers — especially if you're planning to collect or resell.

Are you excited for the return to Unova? Let us know which cards you're most looking forward to in the comments or on social media!