Black Bolt and White Flare are out in Japan, and costs are already deciding on probably the most sought-after playing cards. I've been following the early market closely on TCGPlayer and eBay, and it's clear which playing cards are main the packs… get it?
Zekrom and Reshiram are pulling within the highest numbers, whereas full-art Trainers and EX playing cards are additionally climbing quick. For now, right here's a take a look at the most costly playing cards from both sets proper now, based mostly on what I've discovered.
Black Bolt: Japan's Most Expensive Cards
I’ve been monitoring Black Bolt and White Flare since their Japanese launch, and the early market has already picked its favorites. No shock, Zekrom ex 174/086 leads the Black Bolt pack at $343.12, and it’s not even close.
The alternate Secret Rare model, Zekrom ex 169/086, is holding sturdy too at $171.29. Both are large pulls with daring artwork and high early demand. But it's not simply dragons making waves.
N’s Plot 173/086 is already climbing to $97.51, making it the priciest Trainer card in both set. Mid-tier playing cards like Kyurem ex 168/086 and Serperior ex 167/086 sit within the $50 to $60 vary, whereas Meloetta ex and Genesect ex are barely decrease however nonetheless fetching wholesome costs for brand spanking new EXs.
Even the cheaper playing cards, like Kyurem ex 160/086 at $10.93, or Snivy and Pansage, each hovering round $20, are drawing in early collectors seeking to full these secret uncommon numbers earlier than the English release.
White Flare: Japan's Most Expensive Cards
Over in White Flare, issues look simply as aggressive. Reshiram ex 174/086 has taken the highest spot right here, priced at $347.76, principally mirroring Zekrom’s dominance.
The second Reshiram ex, 168/086, isn’t far behind, fluctuating between $159.95 and $181.85.
Then there’s Hilda 173/086, which is shaping up to be the Trainer pull from this set. It’s listed at $110, however already hitting $121.36 on eBay.
Beyond that, we’ve bought Hydreigon ex at a stable $57.50, and a few mid-range hitters like Keldeo ex, Jellicent ex, and Whimsicott ex, all sitting round $25 to $30.
Even playing cards like Oshawott 102/086, Zoroark, and the alternate Hilda 166/086 are seeing curiosity across the $16 to $24 vary.
These units are simply getting began, and the market’s already displaying clear traces between informal rares and critical collector targets.
Where to Buy Sealed Boosters (JP)
Japanese Cards are more fashionable than ever. The problem is getting maintain of them, which is the place TCGPlayer is available in. Instead of paying for importers and shops' charges from getting these things for retail in Japan to get into your fingers, you're paying market worth for sealed merchandise.
There's a lot of chase playing cards in a booster field for Black Bolt and White Flare, particularly one secret uncommon, full artwork, hyper uncommon or alt artwork alongside 3 artwork rares. I'm not saying you'll get your money back in card values, but it surely's enjoyable ripping boosters open. It's the subsequent finest option if you happen to're not simply shopping for playing cards standalone for show.
Black Bolt White Flare Preorders
There's been recent preorder restocks for giant field retailers corresponding to Walmart, so we'd recomend preserving an eye on these listings to secure your day one sealed product.
Black Bolt and White Flare sealed merchandise are additionally on TCGPlayer, though they're throughout MSRP which is to be anticipated on the secondary collectors market proper now. My advice? Wait till after release on July 18 to see the place to market setles earlier than making any large strikes.
This Week's Pokémon TCG Crashers and Climbers
With Black Bolt and White Flare wrapping up the Scarlet & Violet period, all eyes at the moment are on what’s subsequent —and Mega Evolution is formally back.
The Japanese Championships 2025 confirmed MEGA Symphonia and MEGA Brave as the primary entries within the new Mega Expansion Packs, launching August 1 in Japan. These units reintroduce Mega Evolution ex playing cards in a highly effective new kind, now Stage 2 Pokémon price 3 Prize Cards when knocked out.
Cards like Mega Gardevoir ex, Mega Venusaur ex, and Mega Lucario ex are main the charge, and collectors are already snapping up basic Mega playing cards in anticipation of their return to the highlight.
Looking for more TCG dialogue and market watch? Check out the full MTG release schedule for 2025, (*10*), and the Pokemon facet of issues, the most expensive 151 cards going right now for Pokemon trainers, and the latest price rises and drops for the biggest cards right now.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN overlaying the whole lot collectable and offers. Christian has over 7 years of expertise within the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian additionally makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian can be the writer of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.