ThePokémon Trading Card Gameis moving toward a new era, but not before the arrival of its latestScarlet & Violetset. Unlike previous sets, the latest collection ofPokémoncards is split betweenBlack BoltandWhite Flare, mimicking the dual-release video game strategy the franchise is known for. With Gen 5 taking the spotlight, the Elite Trainer Boxes forBlack BoltandWhite Flarefeature Legendaries Zekrom and Reshiram, respectively.
For this review, I was sent the Elite Trainer Box forBlack Bolt.After a quick flip through the Player’s Guide booklet to see all the cards offered in the set, I was eager to start opening packs to see what all I would get.A new rarity - Black White rare - is available, offering aVictini ex and Zekrom exwith an etched design, and there are plenty of special illustration rares and illustration rares showcasing Unovan Pokémon. Even the common and uncommon cards have some great, vibrant artwork.
Everything Included In Black Bolt’s Elite Trainer Box
Card Sleeves, A Promo Card, & More
For anyone who hasn’t checked out an Elite Trainer Box before, they come in a nice premium box with a slipcover and a Player’s Guide booklet that shows off any noteworthy cards, new mechanics (if applicable), and a checklist of all the cards available - complete with images of the cards. This can serve you well if you’re just starting off with the TCG or coming back to it after a long break. Here’s everything included in the Elite Trainer Box forBlack Bolt:
TheThunderus promo card looks great, but the best artwork of any promo card forBlack Bolt and White Flarehas to go to the Victini promo that’s part of the Victini Illustration Collection. The card sleeves, card dividers, and box are all ideal for collectors who want to keep their set organized and in good condition, while the dice and markers are must-haves for competitive play. If you don’t have any of these accessories already, that makes Elite Trainer Boxes well worth the price.
Card Highlights From Pokémon’s Black Bolt Set
Full Arts, Special Illustration Rares, & Ex Cards
The new rarity cards are likely going to be the biggest chases of this set, but theZekrom ex special illustration rare is easily my favorite. I didn’t manage to snag it, but did manage to pull the Zekrom ex ultra rare as a nice consolation prize. Otherstandouts include the Meloetta ex and Serperior ex special illustration rares, and both Fennel and N get Supporter cards of various rarities. Cobalion, Conkeldurr, and Krookodile all get illustration rares I’m fond of.
In fact,Black Bolthas a massive number of illustration rares and beyond, making up almost half the numbered set (which sits at 086). Despite this, from my time with the Elite Trainer Box and otherBlack Boltitems, I didn’t feel like the odds were increased at all for pulling those rarer cards. And because the set is small at 86, that meantI got a lot of duplicates - far more than I usually get in a set like this. So, while it’s nice getting more chase cards in theory, it does seemingly come at a cost of getting far more dupes.
Is Pokémon TCG’s Black Bolt ETB Worth It?
How Black Bolt Compares To Other Elite Trainer Boxes
RecentPokémon TCGsets (and their corresponding ETBs) either had fan-favorite Pokémon like Pikachu or Eevee representing them, or offered nostalgic cards like Trainer’s Pokémon or Team Rocket’s Pokémon.Journey TogetherandDestined Rivalswere some of the most exciting sets offered in a while, so the new hook forBlack BoltandWhite Flare- dual releases, just like the mainline games - don’t feel quite as thrilling. From a collector’s standpoint, it just feels like more of a drain on your wallet.
The artwork is what really stands out, and it’s nice to see Gen 5 getting some love.
I’m not quite convinced I want thePokémon TCGto continue this trend of dual-release Elite Trainer Boxes and sets, but forBlack BoltandWhite Flare, it is an interesting shake-up. And the cards offered here are pretty great.The artwork is what really stands out, and it’s nice to see Gen 5 getting some love.
For those who adoreBlack and White(and especially those who may have had it as their first Pokémon game), the latest set is a must-have. For others, it probably just depends on how much you like the new cards or how eager you are to try to get your hands on the new rarity. In terms of value, Elite Trainer Boxes can be an excellent way to get into thePokémon Trading Card Game, especially if you’re looking for accessories in addition to booster packs, so they’re well worth the $59.99 price.
Pokemon Trading Card Game
ScreenRant was sent a copy ofPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Black BoltElite Trainer Box for the purpose of this review.
