⚡ Reuniting with the Pokémon of Unova: Scarlet & Violet – Black Bolt and White Flare Arrive This Summer!

“Reunite with the Pokémon of Unova and rise to the top as a Trainer in a land of Unity and Legends.”

It’s time to journey back to where it all began!
The Pokémon Company has officially revealed Scarlet & Violet – Black Bolt and White Flare, a split expansion launching July 18th, 2025—and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting TCG releases in years.

Both expansions revisit the beloved Black & White era and the Unova region, a nostalgic favourite among long-time Trainers. With legendary Pokémon like Zekrom, Reshiram, Keldeo, and Meloetta returning to the spotlight, the anticipation within the Pokémon community is sky-high—perhaps even more than when Destined Rivals dropped!

🌟 Two Expansions, One Legendary Adventure

The upcoming release will be divided into two interconnected sets:

• Black Bolt – featuring Zekrom ex and Meloetta ex

• White Flare – highlighting Reshiram ex and Keldeo ex

Each expansion contains over 170 cards, including 65 illustration rares and at least 5 special illustration rares, for a combined total of around 300 cards when both are collected.

We’re especially intrigued by the introduction of Black & White rare cards—a brand-new rarity showcasing monochrome artwork inspired by the original Unova aesthetic. Trainers can also expect three unique parallel foil patterns, including rainbow Poké Ball and Master Ball designs, alongside appearances from 156 classic Unova Pokémon.

🕰️ A Nostalgic Return to Unova

This expansion doesn’t just revisit old favourites—it celebrates them. Black Bolt and White Flare pay homage to the original Black & White series, right down to the nostalgic basic energy designs.

At Critical Hit Collectables, we love when Pokémon revisits its roots. This release feels like a heartfelt nod to the past while introducing fresh artwork and card styles that modern collectors will adore.

🧭 What’s Included in Scarlet & Violet – Black Bolt and White Flare?

Here’s everything arriving on July 18th, 2025:

• Booster Packs – Each pack includes 10 cards, a code card, and one Energy.

• Binder Collections – Choose between Black Bolt (Zekrom) or White Flare (Reshiram) editions, each with 5 booster packs and a nine-pocket binder for your growing collection.

• Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) – Packed with 9 boosters, a full-art promo card (Thundurus or Tornadus), card sleeves, energy pack, dice, condition markers, and storage dividers—all housed in a sleek collector’s box.

• Unova Poster Collection – Includes 4 booster packs, 3 promo cards (Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott), and a double-sided Unova poster.

• Unova Mini Tins – Each tin contains 1 Black Bolt and 1 White Flare booster pack, plus an art card and sticker—perfect for portable deck storage.

Then, in August 2025, even more expansions join the lineup:

• Tech Sticker Collection – Includes 3 boosters, a promo card featuring Reuniclus or Gothitelle, and a sticker sheet to customise your gear.

• Unova Victini Illustration Collection – Contains 4 boosters, a foil Victini promo, a premium parallel foil, and an oversized display card.

• Booster Bundles – Choose between Black Bolt or White Flare editions, each with 6 boosters—ideal for topping up your collection.

🌀 A Pokémon First for English Fans

For the first time in Pokémon TCG history, the English release will feature dual sets, mirroring Japan’s split-set approach. Even better, both the Japanese and English versions will share the same titles—Black Bolt and White Flare—making this a globally unified release.

This marks a major milestone for the TCG community and gives collectors around the world a shared experience unlike anything before.

📅 The Journey Begins July 18th, 2025

The countdown is officially on!
On July 18th, Trainers will return to the Unova region with Scarlet & Violet – Black Bolt and White Flare.

Here at Critical Hit Collectables, we’re already preparing for this epic release—and as lifelong fans of the Black & White era, we can’t wait to open our first packs.