The Scarlet & Violet era closed with a trip back to Unova. Black Bolt and White Flare released together on July 18, 2025 as two companion special sets, led by Zekrom ex and Reshiram ex, in the spirit of Pokémon Black and White. Here's the collector's guide: the dates, the chase cards and what came in every product.
Black Bolt and White Flare at a Glance
- Release date: July 18, 2025
- Set code: SV10.5, released as two separate sets
- Headliners: Zekrom ex (Black Bolt) and Reshiram ex (White Flare)
- No booster box: packs come in Elite Trainer Boxes, binders, tins and collections
- Special treatments: the new Black White Rare, plus Poké Ball and Master Ball reverse holos
Two Sets, One Region
Black Bolt and White Flare split the Unova Pokédex between them, just like the original games, so collectors chasing every Unova Pokémon need both. Each set has its own packs and products, and Poké Ball and Master Ball reverse holo patterns return from Prismatic Evolutions.
The Chase Cards
Black White Rares. A brand-new top rarity with a striking monochrome design. Zekrom ex and Reshiram ex in this treatment are the biggest pulls of their sets.
Special Illustration Rares. Unova Pokémon and Trainers in full-scene art, including Victini.
Master Ball reverse holos. Rare reverse holo patterns that turn regular cards into chase cards.
Unova Illustration Rares. Classic Black and White Pokémon in new art.
The Product Lineup
| Product | What's inside |
|---|---|
 Booster Packs |
10 cards each, as Black Bolt or White Flare packs |
 Tech Sticker Collection
|
Booster packs, a foil promo and a sticker sheet |
 Binder Collection |
Booster packs plus a collector's binder, in Black Bolt and White Flare versions |
 Unova Victini Illustration Collection
|
Booster packs from both sets plus a Victini promo |
 Unova Poster Collection
|
Booster packs from both sets, foil promos and a poster |
 Elite Trainer Box
|
9 packs, sleeves, Energy cards, dice and a storage box, in Black Bolt and White Flare versions |
 Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box |
More packs and extra promos, in Black Bolt and White Flare versions |
Our quick picks: Grab both Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Boxes for the ultimate matched pair. The Unova Poster Collection covers both sets in one box, and the binder collections are perfect for building your Unova Pokédex.
Tips for Collectors
- You need both sets. The Unova Pokédex is split between Black Bolt and White Flare.
- Check your reverse holos. Master Ball patterns are rare and worth far more than the regular reverse holos.
- Check sold listings. Black White Rare prices vary a lot with condition, so compare recent eBay sold listings.
Keep Collecting With Booster Pack Cards
Browse our Pokémon TCG Elite Trainer Boxes, Collection Boxes and Booster Packs, or shop the full Pokémon TCG collection. Next up: a new era begins in our Mega Evolution collector's guide.
