The Black & White Series introduced Generation V Pokémon (Unova region). It debuted new mechanics like Pokémon-EX (uppercase), Full Art cards, and ACE SPEC trainers, while formalizing Abilities.
1) Black & White Base Set
- Japanese release: December 2010
- English release: April 2011
- Highlights:
- First Generation V Pokémon cards (Reshiram, Zekrom, Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott)
- Introduced Full Art cards (Reshiram, Zekrom)
- Set symbol: stylized black & white Poké Ball
2) Emerging Powers
- Japanese release: March 2011 (White Collection / Black Collection II)
- English release: August 2011
- Highlights:
- Introduced Cobalion, Virizion, Terrakion (Swords of Justice)
- First set with guaranteed reverse holo in every pack
- Set symbol: rising wing crest
3) Noble Victories
- Japanese release: July 2011 (Red Collection)
- English release: November 2011
- Highlights:
- Introduced Kyurem and Victini
- Expanded roster of Unova Pokémon
- Set symbol: three-pointed shield
4) Next Destinies
- Japanese release: September 2011 (Psycho Drive / Hail Blizzard)
- English release: February 2012
- Highlights:
- Reintroduced Pokémon-EX (uppercase EX, stronger than ex)
- Included Mewtwo-EX, Reshiram-EX, Zekrom-EX
- Set symbol: starburst hexagon
5) Dark Explorers
- Japanese release: December 2011 (Dark Rush)
- English release: May 2012
- Highlights:
- Focused on Dark-type Pokémon (Darkrai-EX, Zoroark)
- Expanded Trainer pool with Dark Claw and Dark Patch
- Set symbol: eclipse shadow
6) Dragons Exalted
- Japanese release: March 2012 (Dragon Blade / Dragon Blast)
- English release: August 2012
- Highlights:
- First set to introduce the Dragon type (yellow-gold frame)
- Included Rayquaza-EX, Giratina-EX
- Set symbol: dragon claw
7) Boundaries Crossed
- Japanese release: July 2012 (Freeze Bolt / Cold Flare)
- English release: November 2012
- Highlights:
- Featured Black Kyurem-EX and White Kyurem-EX
- Large set with many Unova Pokémon
- Set symbol: opposing arrows
8) Plasma Storm
- Japanese release: December 2012 (Plasma Gale)
- English release: February 2013
- Highlights:
- Debut of Team Plasma cards with blue border
- Iconic secret rare: shiny Charizard
- Set symbol: Team Plasma shield
9) Plasma Freeze
- Japanese release: February 2013 (Thunder Knuckle / Spiral Force)
- English release: May 2013
- Highlights:
- Continued Team Plasma theme
- Included Deoxys-EX, Latios-EX, Latias-EX
- Set symbol: icy Team Plasma shield
10) Plasma Blast
- Japanese release: April 2013 (Megalocannon)
- English release: August 2013
- Highlights:
- Featured Genesect-EX, Dialga-EX, Palkia-EX
- Expanded Plasma mechanics
- Set symbol: energy core
11) Legendary Treasures
- Japanese release: July 2013 (EX Battle Boost)
- English release: November 2013
- Highlights:
- Compilation-style set
- Introduced Radiant Collection subset with unique artwork
- Featured many reprints and collector-focused cards
- Set symbol: ornate treasure key
Summary Timeline
- 2011 — Black & White, Emerging Powers, Noble Victories
- 2012 — Next Destinies, Dark Explorers, Dragons Exalted, Boundaries Crossed
- 2013 — Plasma Storm, Plasma Freeze, Plasma Blast, Legendary Treasures
The Black & White Series ended with Legendary Treasures, paving the way for the XY Series and new mechanics like Mega Evolution.