After the dual launch of the latest Pokémon TCG expansions, demand for the Black Bolt and White Flare Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) has surged, driving prices far beyond their manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Amazon has now lowered its price for the Black Bolt ETB to $78.75, down from their previous inflated listing of $109.99. While this 28% discount beats current market rates, it remains nearly $30 above the standard $50 MSRP.
Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box
$109.99 (save 28%) - Now $78.75 at Amazon
Similar to recent Destined Rivals restocks, major retailers like Walmart and Amazon continue listing these ETBs above retail. Walmart maintains ~$99 pricing for both boxes, while Amazon's White Flare ETB still hovers around $105 - making the Black Bolt discount a rare opportunity.
These prices remain significantly inflated. Best Buy recently offered both ETBs at MSRP ($49.99), but stock sold out immediately. Similarly, the Pokémon Center listed them at $59 before selling out. Each box includes:
• 9 expansion booster packs
• Full-art promo card (Thundurus/Tornadus)
• Pokémon Center edition includes exclusive promo
• 65 card sleeves + 45 Energy Cards
• Game accessories: dice, markers, guide
• Collector's box with dividers
• Pokémon TCG Live digital code
The pricing strategy appears designed to discourage scalpers while capitalizing on dedicated collectors. Amazon UK implemented an invite-only system for fairer distribution at MSRP, though this approach hasn't reached US markets.
On secondary markets, TCG Player shows Black Bolt ETBs averaging $91 and White Flare near $92. eBay offers slightly better deals, with Black Bolt from $86 and White Flare around $85.
Zekrom ex - 174/086
$343.12 at TCGPlayerSee it at eBay
Zekrom ex - 169/086
$171.29 at TCGPlayerSee it at eBay
N's Plot - 173/086
$97.51 at TCGPlayerSee it at eBay
Kyurem ex - 168/086
$59.57 at TCGPlayerSee it at eBay
Serperior ex - 167/086
$57.26 at TCGPlayerSee it at eBay
Meloetta ex - 170/086
$38.91 at TCGPlayerSee it at eBay
Genesect ex - 172/086
$34.65 at TCGPlayerSee it at eBay
Kyurem ex - 160/086
$32.66 (save 67%) - $10.93 at TCGPlayerSee it at eBay
Snivy - 087/086
$20.47 at TCGPlayerSee it at eBay
Pansage - 089/086
$19.98 (save 0%) at TCGPlayerSee it at eBay
While the Japanese sets contain valuable chase cards that could justify the premium, paying 50-100% above MSRP has unfortunately become standard practice in today's Pokémon TCG market. For collectors seeking these cards, Amazon's current deal may represent the best available price before resorting to secondary markets with even higher markups.
