Every new release in the Scarlet & Violet eraof thePokemon TCGfeatures numerous products that include a variety of themed items, from TCG packs to binders and accessories. We had a sneak preview of the best cards from Black Bolt & White Flare via the Japanese release, but the English drop is packed with unique products to choose from.
Whether you only care about the pack-focused options or you enjoy collecting exclusive set-themed merchandise, there’s something for everyone here. If you need help deciding which Black Bolt & White Flare product best fits your needs, then we’ve got you covered.
8Poster Collections
Some Interior Decorating With Your Cards
The desirability of Poster Collections hinges entirely on your feelings about the poster within, and if you plan to use them at all. Even if you don’t plan on lining your walls with Pokemon posters, these collections also include promo cards for each Unovan starter, Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott.
In addition, you also get two booster packs from each set, giving you a chance to open both Black Bolt and White Flare in a single product. This is one of the top choices if you’re stuck deciding between the sets and just want a chance at all the adorable cards.
7Binder Collection
A Decent Placeholder
Much like thecorresponding Binder Collection from 151,this option appears promising on paper, but may fall short of your expectations in practice. These collections contain five packs of the given set (Black Bolt or White Flare) along with an appropriately themed binder to store your cards in.
While these binders are notably hit-and-miss when it comes to quality, the exclusive design is a great way to store your cards from each set. In most other cases, we’d recommend just getting your own, higher-quality binder, but given that these sets are split in half, a themed version could be helpful.
6Sticker Collections
Customize Your Gear
Even if you’re not a fan of stickers, the Tech Sticker Collection still might have something to grab your attention. You’ll receive a promo card featuring either Gothitelle or Reuniclus, depending on which version you choose. While they’re not the coolest Pokemon choices possible, the artwork is still attractive thanks to the unusual style.
Aside from the promo, you also get three packs of this product, which is a decent value considering the relatively cheaper MSRP that comes along with this collection box, compared to the others.
5Loose Packs
What You Really Want
If you only care about opening packs and getting a chance to pull the coolest cards from Black Bolt & White Flare, then loose packs are one of the most straightforward methods to accomplish your goal. Unfortunately, there’s no discount associated with loose packs since they’re sold individually, but at least you don’t have to deal with extras you may not want.
There’s no guarantee when buying loose packs, but the bundles might not be your cup of tea if none of the other additional inclusions sound interesting.
4Unova Victini Illustration Collection
A Guaranteed Mythical
The Unova Victini Illustration Collection is undoubtedly the best value thus far, with plenty of tempting promo cards to capture your attention. This collection also features two packs of each set, making this an upgrade to the poster collection, if you didn’t want that due to the poster.
You’ll also find three Victini promo cards inside, including one oversized Illustration Rare. The other two cards are a standard Illustration Rare and a Poke Ball Victini variant, which are huge bonuses if you’re a Victini fan.
3Mini Tins
Small Size, Big Value
Don’t let their small size fool you, as these tins are arguably the best way to buy packs if you’re on a budget.While Mini Tin Displays might defeat the idea of a budget option,the individual tins offer two packs at a relatively low MSRP of $9.99, though finding them on store shelves will be a challenge.
If you don’t want to bust out bigger bills, then this is the perfect pack-focused option for you, and it even includes an art card of the Pokemon on the tin along with a coin. They’re not the biggest deals, but at least you have something cool to enjoy regardless of what’s in your packs.
2Booster Bundle
A Better Chance To Hit
If you don’t mind spending a bit more money for a better chance at pulling a good card, then Booster Bundles will stand out to you as the best option. Even though there’s no guaranteed hit rate for booster bundles, statistically, opening six packs will always give you a higher chance of getting what you want over the two packs in Mini Tins.
At roughly $27 MSRP, these bundles reduce your cost per pack to roughly $4.50, which is easily the cheapest price you’ll find, as even regular packs at MSRP can cost $4.99 or $5.99, depending on the store.
1Elite Trainer Box
Packs And A Promo? Yes, Please!
ETBs are often some of the most valuable Pokemon TCG productsfor a reason, as they boast a solid stack of packs along with a special promo card to enjoy. However, it’s worth noting that these boxes come in both a standard version anda Pokemon Center Exclusive version.
If you’re lucky enough to have a Pokemon Center Exclusive Black Bolt or White Flare ETB, then you’ll receive 11 packs instead of the usual nine, along with two promos: one with a Pokemon Center stamp, and one without it.
