The Black Bolt chase cards come with every Gen V Pokemon on a card, a brand-new rarity tier, and a Zekrom that commands ~$370 on the secondary market.
Black Bolt (SV11B) brought the entire Unova Pokedex back to the Pokemon TCG when it launched in Japan on June 6, 2025 — months before the English release hit shelves on July 18. Nine months later, this set remains one of the most talked-about expansions in the Scarlet & Violet era, thanks to its debut of the BWR (Black White Rare) rarity and a staggering 72 Art Rare cards.
Here’s what you need from this guide: a note on what is and is not known about pull rates, the 10 most valuable cards with current JPN market prices, and a clear buying framework for collectors, players, and investors. We pull pricing directly from SNKRDUNK and Mercari — the two platforms where Japanese cards actually trade — so you’re getting numbers no English-language guide can match.
Our team at Samurai Sword ships Black Bolt boxes from Tokyo every week. This is the set through our eyes.
The October 7, 2026 update adds the chase-card table and refreshes our store listings and prices; the other facts in this article were last checked on March 1, 2026.
Zekrom ex BWR at ¥55,000 (~$370) is the crown jewel of the Scarlet & Violet era. With 72 Art Rares covering all 156 Unova Pokemon, every box delivers a rewarding opening experience. Box prices have rebounded to ~¥15,000, reflecting renewed collector demand as this set establishes itself as a modern classic.
What Are the Black Bolt Chase Cards? — Set Overview
Black Bolt is the first half of a dual expansion celebrating Generation V — and its scope is unprecedented. Released alongside White Flare (SV11W), this set features all 156 Pokemon first discovered in the Unova region, each with at least one AR or SAR illustration.
Set Specs & Key Features
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Set Code | SV11B |
| Release Date (JPN) | June 6, 2025 |
| Release Date (EN) | July 18, 2025 |
| MSRP | ¥290 per pack (official product page) |
| Cards per Pack | 7 |
| Packs per Box | 20 |
| Total Cards | 86 (main set) + secret rares |
| New Rarity | BWR (Black White Rare) |
| Special Feature | All 156 Unova Pokemon receive AR or SAR |
Prices as of March 2026. Secondary market prices.
Three things set Black Bolt apart from other Scarlet & Violet expansions. First, the BWR rarity — a monochromatic foil treatment exclusive to Black Bolt and White Flare that echoes the original Black & White era card design. Second, the sheer volume of Art Rares: 72 unique AR illustrations in a single set. Third, the God Pack — an extremely rare pull.
JPN vs International Release Timeline
Japan got Black Bolt on June 6, 2025. English-speaking markets received their version starting July 18, with products rolling out through August 22. One critical difference: the English release has no standalone booster boxes. EN products come only as Elite Trainer Boxes and Booster Bundles. The Japanese version? Standard 20-pack booster boxes with shrink wrap — the format collectors prefer for sealed investment and opening value alike.
If you’re exploring other recent JPN sets, our Inferno x guide covers another Scarlet & Violet expansion with strong collector appeal.
Black Bolt Chase Cards: Prices and Where We List Them
Zekrom ex BWR leads the pack at ¥55,000 — down from its ¥61,000+ peak but still commanding the highest price in the set. The table below shows lowest asks seen on October 7, 2026; the card sections after it keep the March 2026 readings.
| # | Card | Rarity | Lowest ask on SNKRDUNK (Oct 7, 2026) | Our listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zekrom ex 174/086 | BWR | PSA 10 ¥118,000; raw ¥40,000 | PSA 10 back order ¥128,381 (~$834) |
| 2 | Zekrom ex 169/086 | SAR | PSA 10 ¥39,000; raw ¥19,000 | PSA 10 back order ¥38,783 (~$252) |
| 3 | N’s Plan 173/086 | SAR | PSA 10 ¥18,400; raw ¥4,200 | PSA 10 back order ¥16,911 (~$110) |
| 4 | Kyurem ex 168/086 | SAR | PSA 10 ¥10,000; raw ¥3,980 | PSA 10 back order ¥11,620 (~$75) |
| 5 | Serperior ex 167/086 | SAR | PSA 10 ¥7,200; raw ¥3,400 | PSA 10 back order ¥8,999 (~$58) |
| 6 | Genesect ex 172/086 | SAR | PSA 10 ¥6,900; raw ¥3,000 | PSA 10 back order ¥8,500 (~$55) |
| 7 | Meloetta ex 170/086 | SAR | PSA 10 ¥6,500; raw ¥3,000 | PSA 10 back order ¥8,288 (~$54) |
| 8 | Excadrill ex 171/086 | SAR | PSA 10 ¥6,000; raw ¥1,000 | not listed |
| 9 | Zekrom ex 161/086 | SR | PSA 10 ¥6,400; raw ¥1,000 | not listed |
| 10 | Fennel 166/086 | SR | PSA 10 ¥7,500; raw ¥1,000 | not listed |
Asking prices are SNKRDUNK lowest asks seen on October 7, 2026, not sale prices; our prices are the listed prices at the time of this update. USD figures convert at ¥154/USD, approximate.
Card-section prices: SNKRDUNK / Mercari averages as of March 2026. USD converted at ~¥150/USD.
#1 Zekrom ex BWR — ¥55,000 (~$370)
The crown jewel of Black Bolt. Zekrom ex BWR is rendered in a monochromatic black-and-white palette that pays direct homage to the original Zekrom SR from the BW era. The BWR rarity is exclusive to Black Bolt and White Flare — no other Scarlet & Violet set has it, and future reprints look unlikely.
Treat the BWR as a bonus pull, not an expectation. Despite correcting from its ¥61,000+ peak, this card maintains strong collector conviction at ¥55,000 — now trading at parity with Reshiram ex BWR from White Flare.
For PSA 10 graded copies, expect to pay significantly more. Raw copies in Near Mint condition are the prices shown above.
#2 Zekrom ex SAR — ¥23,000 (~$153)
The more attainable Zekrom chase card — still rare, but a realistic chase for anyone opening a case. The full-art illustration depicts Zekrom in a dynamic pose with dramatic lighting and texture work that showcases the quality advantage of Japanese printing.
This card serves double duty: competitive players want it for decks, and collectors want it for the art. That dual demand supports a steady price point around ¥23,000 — now slightly below Reshiram ex SAR (¥26,000) from White Flare.
#3 Seismitoad AR — ¥8,500 (~$57)
The sleeper hit of Black Bolt has now claimed the #3 spot. Illustrated by Kandashinji — the artist behind the legendary Giratina V SA and Magikarp AR — this Art Rare has surged from ¥1,000 at launch to ¥8,500. The artist factor continues to drive international collector attention, making this one of the most valuable Art Rares in the entire Scarlet & Violet era.
#4 N’s Plan SAR — ¥7,000 (~$47)
N is arguably the most popular human character in Pokemon history, and his Supporter card “N’s Plan” gets the SAR treatment with an illustration featuring the iconic Nimbasa City Ferris wheel. After correcting significantly from its ¥14,800 peak, this card has stabilized at ¥7,000 — making it a more accessible entry point for Gen V fans seeking a premium N card.
#5-#10 Quick Picks
#5 Kyurem ex SAR — ¥4,300 (~$29)
A gorgeous depiction of Kyurem surrounded by ice crystals. Strong character recognition and competitive viability keep this SAR above the ¥4,000 line.
#6 Serperior ex SAR — ¥3,000 (~$20)
The Unova starter trio fans have wanted a proper SAR treatment, and Serperior delivers. Gen V completionists are driving renewed demand.
#7 Solosis AR — ¥2,600 (~$17)
A surprise entrant to the top 10. This adorable Psychic-type’s Art Rare has climbed steadily on collector appeal and its distinctive illustration style.
#8 Meloetta ex SAR — ¥2,600 (~$17)
Meloetta singing among ruins and blooming flowers — the first full-art Meloetta illustration in years.
#9 Genesect ex SAR — ¥2,300 (~$15)
Genesect’s “Metal Signal” Ability makes this a playable card in competitive decks, giving it steady demand beyond pure collection value.
#10 Victini AR — ¥2,200 (~$15)
The Victory Pokemon’s Art Rare rounds out the top 10. Victini’s popularity across the franchise ensures consistent collector demand.
Should You Buy a Black Bolt Box?
Black Bolt is one of the strongest collector sets in the Scarlet & Violet era — and the answer depends on your goals.
For Collectors — The Best Reason to Buy
This set was built for collectors. All 156 Unova Pokemon get Art Rare or Special Art Rare illustrations — a first in Pokemon TCG history. The set is built around Art Rares, so the opening experience can be rewarding regardless of whether you hit a SAR or BWR.
The BWR rarity adds a chase element that’s genuinely exclusive. Unlike SARs or URs that appear in every modern set, BWR exists only in Black Bolt and White Flare. For anyone building a Gen V collection, these cards are essential — and they’ll likely never be reprinted.
If you grew up with Pokemon Black & White, this is the set. For MEGA era collectors, check out our Mega Dream EX guide or Ninja Spinner guide.
For Players — Competitive Staples Inside
Zekrom ex, Kyurem ex, and Genesect ex all see competitive play in current tournament formats. N’s Plan is a versatile Supporter that fits into multiple deck archetypes. The standard RR versions are readily available in every box, making Black Bolt a practical choice for players building competitive decks on a budget.
For Investors — Timing and Context
Black Bolt boxes have rebounded to ~¥15,000 on SNKRDUNK after correcting from their ¥18,000 pre-release peak to the ¥9,000 range. The recent upward move signals renewed collector conviction. Two factors favor continued demand: 2026 marks the Pokemon TCG’s 30th anniversary, and Black Bolt’s limited print run means supply is structurally constrained.
Monitor the SNKRDUNK price chart for your ideal entry point.
JPN Box vs EN Products — Why Japanese Matters
JPN (Black Bolt)
- 20-pack Booster Box format
- Shrink-wrapped, sealed
- ~¥15,000 (~$100) market price
- Premium print quality & texture
- Higher sealed investment appeal
EN (Black Bolt)
- ETB & Booster Bundle only
- No standalone booster box
- ~$55-70 (ETB) market price
- Standard print quality
- Lower sealed investment appeal
The biggest structural advantage of JPN Black Bolt: it’s the only way to get a sealed booster box. The English release never produced standalone booster boxes. Based on our daily handling of JPN sealed product, print quality differences are visible to the naked eye.
Black Bolt Pull Rates & Box EV Breakdown
The Pokémon Company does not publish pull rates. Because no official figures exist, this section does not print per-pack or per-box odds or an EV estimate. The entertainment value and chase potential of a sealed box contribute beyond pure financial value.
Pull Rates by Rarity
The official product page lists the release date, the pack price and seven cards per pack. It gives no per-rarity pull rates.
We do not print unsourced community estimates. BWR is ultra-premium — treat it as a bonus, not an expectation.
Box Expected Value (EV) Calculation
An EV figure would depend on pull rates that the publisher does not release, so we do not print one.
BOX market price: ~¥15,000, based on SNKRDUNK/Mercari transaction prices as of March 2026.
Singles vs Box — What Makes Sense
| Approach | Cost for Zekrom BWR | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Buy Single | The price of the card you choose (see the chase-card table above) | You choose the exact card |
| Open Boxes | Not predictable, because the publisher does not release pull rates | High variance |
| Opening Experience | Priceless | — |
For most collectors: open a few boxes for the experience, buy singles for the chase cards. Pulling Art Rares of your favorite Unova Pokemon, the chance at a SAR, the dream of a God Pack — that’s what box opening is really about.
Black Bolt Price Trends & Market Outlook
Black Bolt prices are showing upward momentum on boxes, while card prices have mixed signals — Zekrom BWR corrected slightly but boxes surged from ¥9,000 to ¥15,000.
Card Price Trends Since Launch
Most Black Bolt cards peaked within the first two weeks of release, then corrected as supply entered the market. This pattern is standard for every major Pokemon TCG expansion.
Zekrom ex BWR has corrected from its ¥61,000+ peak to ¥55,000 — now trading at parity with Reshiram ex BWR from White Flare. The convergence suggests the market views both BWR cards as equally desirable.
Seismitoad AR remains the surprise performer, climbing from ~¥1,000 at launch to ¥8,500. The artist factor (Kandashinji, known for Giratina V SA) continues to push this card higher. Meanwhile, N’s Plan SAR has corrected significantly from ¥14,800 to ¥7,000 — a price reset that makes it more accessible for Gen V fans.
BOX Price History
| Period | SNKRDUNK Price | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-release (May 2025) | ¥16,000-18,000 | Pre-order hype |
| Launch (June 2025) | ¥13,000-15,000 | Opening rush |
| Post-restock (Aug 2025) | ¥10,000-11,000 | Reprint supply |
| Stable (Nov 2025) | ¥9,000-9,500 | Baseline |
| March 2026 | ~¥15,000 | Rebounding — renewed collector demand |
Source: SNKRDUNK
2026 Outlook — The 30th Anniversary Factor
2026 marks the Pokemon TCG’s 30th anniversary. Previous milestone years (20th in 2016, 25th in 2021) triggered broad price appreciation across collectible products. Gen V sets have the added tailwind of growing nostalgia among the now-adult audience who grew up with Black & White.
Boxes at ¥15,000 have rebounded significantly from their ¥9,000 lows. BWR cards hold strong premiums. Sealed supply tightening. The upward momentum aligns with patterns that preceded sustained appreciation in comparable sets.
Where to Buy Japanese Black Bolt Boxes
The JPN box format is the only way to get a sealed 20-pack booster box — and it’s available with international shipping from Japan-based retailers.
Buying from Samurai Sword
We ship Black Bolt boxes directly from Tokyo with full tracking and packaging designed for international delivery. Every box is verified authentic with intact shrink wrap, and each one is serial-tracked — if a searched or resealed box is ever reported, we trace it back to the supplier and permanently remove them. From our experience shipping to the US, UK, CA, and AU, delivery typically takes 5-10 business days.
Shipping & Import Tips
- Shipping: Tracked international shipping from Tokyo. 5-10 business days to major markets.
- Import duty: Pokemon cards are classified as printed goods. US orders under $800 are generally duty-free. UK/EU orders may incur VAT.
- Packaging: Protective padding to prevent corner damage. Shrink wrap integrity preserved.
The English release of Black Bolt never produced standalone booster boxes — only ETBs and Booster Bundles. Importing JPN boxes directly is the only way to get the standard box format.
For a side-by-side comparison of all current Japanese booster boxes, see our Best Japanese Pokemon Booster Boxes 2026 ranking. For importing tips, see our guide to buying Japanese Pokemon cards from Japan.
The Bottom Line
Three things to remember about Black Bolt:
- The BWR rarity is historically unique. Zekrom ex BWR at ¥55,000 sits among the most valuable cards in the Scarlet & Violet era, and its exclusive rarity tier means no future set dilutes its status.
- Every box delivers collector value. With Art Rares covering the full Unova Pokedex, the opening experience can be rewarding even without hitting a SAR or BWR.
- Box prices reflect growing demand. The rebound from ¥9,000 to ¥15,000 signals renewed collector conviction. With Pokemon TCG’s 30th anniversary in 2026 and tightening sealed supply, this momentum could continue.
If you’re a Gen V fan, a JPN card collector, or someone who appreciates the craft of Pokemon card illustration — Black Bolt deserves a spot on your shelf.
View complete Black Bolt card list →
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pull rates for Black Bolt?
The Pokémon Company does not publish pull rates. We do not print unofficial per-pack or per-box odds. The official product page gives the release date, the pack price and seven cards per pack. For card values, see the chase-card table above, which lists SNKRDUNK lowest asks dated October 7, 2026.
What are the chase cards in Black Bolt?
The chase cards are Zekrom ex BWR (174/086), Zekrom ex SAR (169/086), N’s Plan SAR (173/086) and Kyurem ex SAR (168/086). On October 7, 2026, the lowest SNKRDUNK asks included PSA 10 ¥118,000 for the BWR and PSA 10 ¥39,000 for the Zekrom ex SAR. Asks are not sale prices.
What is the most expensive card in Black Bolt?
Zekrom ex BWR at approximately ¥55,000 (~$370) as of March 2026. This card features the exclusive BWR (Black White Rare) rarity — a monochromatic foil treatment found only in Black Bolt and White Flare. The scarcity of the BWR and Gen V nostalgia sustain its premium pricing.
Is Black Bolt worth buying?
For collectors, Black Bolt offers value through 72 unique Art Rares covering all Unova Pokemon, multiple SAR chase cards, and the exclusive BWR rarity. A box at about ¥15,000 reflects strong collector demand, and sealed box appreciation potential adds value beyond the cards inside, though secondary market prices are never guaranteed.
What is BWR rarity in Pokemon cards?
BWR stands for “Black White Rare,” a special rarity tier introduced exclusively in Black Bolt (SV11B) and White Flare (SV11W). BWR cards feature a monochromatic foil treatment that pays homage to the original Pokemon Black & White card designs. Each set has one BWR card: Zekrom ex 174/086 in Black Bolt and Reshiram ex 174/086 in White Flare.
What is the difference between Black Bolt and White Flare?
Black Bolt (SV11B) and White Flare (SV11W) are companion sets released simultaneously. Black Bolt features Zekrom ex BWR as its flagship card, while White Flare features Reshiram ex BWR. Each set has its own pool of SARs, SRs, and ARs — though both draw from the complete 156-Pokemon Unova Pokedex.
Will Black Bolt cards go up in value?
Historical patterns suggest potential for appreciation: 2026 is Pokemon TCG’s 30th anniversary, previous milestone years saw broad price increases, and Black Bolt’s limited print run creates structural scarcity. That said, secondary market prices are never guaranteed — past performance does not ensure future results.
How many SAR cards are in Black Bolt?
Black Bolt contains 7 SAR (Special Art Rare) cards: Zekrom ex, N’s Plan, Kyurem ex, Meloetta ex, Genesect ex, Serperior ex, and Excadrill ex. Their official numbers run from 167/086 to 173/086, and the BWR, Zekrom ex 174/086, is a separate rarity.
⚡ Ready to Open Packs?
Get the SV11B-Black Bolt booster box — shipped directly from Tokyo, Japan with tracking & insurance.
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