Scarlet & Violet’s split-set release brings Black Bolt and White Flare, each highlighting one half of the Unova region. Both ETBs launched on July 18, 2025, offering nine booster packs in unique packs includes promo cards and accessories. But which one fits your needs best as a collector, player, or investor?
1. Contents & Pricing
| Feature | Black Bolt ETB | White Flare ETB |
|---|---|---|
| Promo Card | Thundurus full-art foil | Tornadus full-art foil |
| Booster Packs | 9 Black Bolt booster packs | 9 White Flare booster packs |
| Sleeves & Energy Cards | 65 themed sleeves, 45 Energy | Same |
| Dice & Counters | Standard set included | Standard set included |
| Price (Japanese import) | ¥10,400 ($70) 🔗 Buy here | ¥10,400 ($70) 🔗 Buy here |
| Release Date | July 18, 2025 | July 18, 2025 |
2. Pull Rate Expectations
Latest data from 1,000 packs indicates:
- 1 Illustration Rare (IR) per ~6 packs
- 1 Special Illustration Rare (SIR) per ~77 packs
- 1 Full Art per ~16 packs
- 1 EX per ~5 packs
- 1 PokéBall reverse holo per ~3 packs
- 1 MasterBall reverse per ~15 packs
Comparison with Crown Zenith shows pull rates are similar solid, though not exceptional.
3. What You Could Pull
Top Cards to Look For
- Black Bolt
- Zekrom ex BWR (Black‑White‑Red) promo
- Thundurus Illustration Rare
- Reshiram / Zekrom potentially Secret Rare
- White Flare
- Reshiram ex BWR promo
- Tornadus Illustration Rare
- Victini BWR and other full-art draws
These BWR cards are rare and crowd favorites due to their aesthetic value and limited print runs.
4. Expected Breakdown Per Box
| Box Type | Illustration Rare | SIR | Full Art | EX | Reverse Holos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETB (9 packs) | ~1–2 per box | <1 (chance across boxes) | 0–1 | ~2 | Multiple per box |
Each box is likely to yield at least one IR and some full-art hits. SIRs are rare and jackpot pulls.
5. Potential Value & Profit
⏫ Profit Scenarios
| Outcome | Approx. Value Gained |
|---|---|
| Pull IR promo (e.g. Thundurus) | $10–$15 |
| Pull SIR | $20–$50+ |
| Pull a full-art EX | $15–$30 |
| Multiple reverse holos | $5–$10 collectively |
| BOX resale later | $70–$90 (sealed) |
Total potential pull profit: $40–$100 per box plus sealed value gains if held.
In sealed form, pre-orders on eBay show combined dual-set bundles selling around $180–$187, offering sealed profit for savvy investors.
6. Strategic Comparison
Black Bolt Advantages
- Promo Thundurus is popular
- Zekrom BWR is high-value
- Slightly higher early demand
White Flare Advantages
- Tornadus promo appeals to collectors
- Reshiram BWR in key demand
- Balanced pull rates and popularity
7. Investing Tips
- Buy pre-release or during launch to secure lowest prices (~¥10,400 / $70).
- Open carefully: Pull rates are respectable—box-openers report frequent hits.
- Evaluate current markets before opening; sealed bundles may offer better ROI.
- Sell singles vs boxes: high-value pulls (BWR, SIR) should go as singles; rest of box may sell slightly higher sealed.
8. Final Verdict
| Perspective | Recommended ETB |
|---|---|
| Best artwork | Tie (BWR promos shine) |
| Highest resale | Black Bolt slightly |
| Gameplay utility | Tie (similar packs) |
| Collector appeal | White Flare (Reshiram) |
| Overall pick | Black Bolt leads by a small margin |
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Both boxes offer strong pull rates and unique content. For best returns, consider buying both ETBs, opening one, and selling the duplicate sealed or using one for collection purposes.
🔗 Buy Now
- Black Bolt ETB → 🔗 JapaneseTCGBoosterBox.com – Black Bolt ETB
- White Flare ETB → 🔗 JapaneseTCGBoosterBox.com – White Flare ETB
✅ Conclusion
Black Bolt and White Flare ETBs each bring strong pull potential, great artwork, and solid investment value in 2025. Pull rarity levels are consistent for modern sets. If you want the edge, Black Bolt offers slightly better resale while White Flare appeals equally to collector eyes.