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Pokémon TCG Launches Black Bolt & White Flare Dual Expansion With New Ultra-Rare Cards

Sold exclusively through special collections, the first split English expansion spans two 170-card Unova lists, drawing praise for its design, criticism for its limited availability.

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Overview

  • Launched July 18, the dual expansion marks the first English split set with each list containing over 170 cards that together cover all 156 Unova Pokémon.
  • A newly introduced Hyper Rare tier called Black White Rares includes just four ultra-rare cards—two in each list—making them harder to pull than standard golden Hyper Rares.
  • Multiple holofoil variants for every Basic Pokémon—regular, reverse holo, Poké Ball holo and Master Ball holo—mean collectors face nearly 800 cards to assemble a full master set.
  • Booster packs are only obtainable through special collections and Elite Trainer Boxes, with no standalone boosters or boxes available, heightening acquisition challenges as scalpers drive scarcity.
  • Initial reviews praise the expansion’s innovative split-set model and striking artwork but fault its throwback to older Unova designs and difficult pull rates for key rares.