Pokémon TCG Black Bolt & White Flare New Release: What to Know

May 04 2025
3 min reading time

The upcoming Japanese expansions Black Bolt (SV11B) and White Flare (SV11W) are set to launch on June 6, 2025. These twin sets pay homage to the Unova region from Pokémon Black and White and Black 2 and White 2, featuring all 156 Unova Pokémon, each with their own AR (Art Rare) or SAR (Special Art Rare) cards.

Booster Pack Details: Black Bolt SV11B & White Flare SV11W

Japanese Pokémon TCG sets will introduce new formats with this launch, such as the Fat/Deluxe Booster Packs, which are larger and contain more cards. This approach is similar to the 'slim and fat' booster pack concept used in mainland China, where slim packs contain fewer cards, while fat packs offer more cards and a higher chance of rare pulls. By adopting this model, Japan provides collectors with more diverse options, catering to various preferences and enhancing the excitement of each pack.

Slim/Standard Booster Packs

Contents: 7 cards per pack.
Features: Includes a mix of common and rare cards, with a chance to obtain AR/SAR cards.

Fat/Deluxe Booster Packs

Contents: 35 cards per pack.
Features: Guaranteed to contain at least one AR card per pack.

Introducing the BWR Rarity

A new card rarity, BWR (Black & White Rare), debuts with these sets. These cards feature Pokémon against a stark solid color background with elaborate holofoil patterning. So far, Zekrom ex and Reshiram ex have been revealed with this rarity.

Exclusive Tournament: Victini BWR Battle

From June 14 to August 31, 2025, Japan will host the "Victini BWR Battle," a tournament where players can only use cards from Black Bolt and White Flare. Participants will receive a promo pack containing event-stamped cards and energy cards. Winners have a chance to obtain a limited Victini BWR card, with only 2,000 copies available through a lottery system.

Card File Set

Along with the launch of these 2 sets, A Black Bolt White Flare Card File will be released on the same date as well. The featured promo card will also be available in the Black Bolt set as an Art Rare. For those master set collectors it means you’ll need to collect two variants of this card.

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