The Scarlet & Violet Series introduced Generation IX (Paldea) Pokémon and marked a major design change with silver borders globally. It brought back Pokémon-ex (lowercase), Terastal mechanics, and Illustration Rare cards.
(1) Scarlet & Violet Base Set
- Japanese release: January 2023 (Scarlet ex / Violet ex)
- English release: March 2023
- Highlights:
- First set with silver borders in English
- Return of Pokémon-ex mechanic (lowercase ex, 2-Prize rule)
- Featured Koraidon ex, Miraidon ex
- Introduced Illustration Rares (IR) and Special Illustration Rares (SIR)
- Set symbol: crystalline starburst
(2) Paldea Evolved
- Japanese release: March 2023 (Triple Beat + other subsets)
- English release: June 2023
- Highlights:
- Expanded Paldea starters’ final evolutions (Skeledirge ex, Quaquaval ex, Meowscarada ex)
- Included Chien-Pao ex, Ting-Lu ex
- Continued Illustration Rares trend
- Set symbol: sprouting leaf crest
(3) Obsidian Flames
- Japanese release: July 2023 (Ruler of the Black Flame)
- English release: August 2023
- Highlights:
- Featured Tera Charizard ex (Dark-type)
- Included Tyranitar ex, Dragonite ex
- Expanded Terastalization gimmick
- Set symbol: burning crystal flame
(3.5) 151 (Special Set)
- Japanese release: June 2023 (Pokémon Card 151)
- English release: September 2023
- Highlights:
- Tribute set covering all original 151 Kanto Pokémon
- Iconic Illustration Rare Mew ex, Alakazam ex
- Heavy nostalgia-driven collector focus
- Set symbol: Pokédex entry icon
(4) Paradox Rift
- Japanese release: October 2023 (Ancient Roar / Future Flash)
- English release: November 2023
- Highlights:
- Introduced Ancient and Future Pokémon archetypes
- Featured Roaring Moon ex, Iron Valiant ex
- Expanded Illustration Rares (Professor Sada, Professor Turo)
- Set symbol: paradox vortex
(5) Temporal Forces
- Japanese release: January 2024 (Wild Force / Cyber Judge)
- English release: March 2024
- Highlights:
- Expanded Ancient/Future mechanic
- Featured Walking Wake ex, Iron Leaves ex
- Included ACE SPEC Trainer cards (returning mechanic)
- Set symbol: time-rift spiral
(6) Twilight Masquerade
- Japanese release: April 2024 (Mask of Change)
- English release: May 2024
- Highlights:
- Focused on Ogerpon and its masks (Grass, Fire, Water, Rock)
- Introduced Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex
- Continued Illustration Rares
- Set symbol: ornate mask
(6.5) Stellar Crown
- Japanese release: June 2024 (Night Wanderer / Stellar Miracle)
- English release: September 2024
- Highlights:
- Featured Terapagos ex (Stellar form)
- Introduced new “Stellar” mechanic
- Included Pecharunt and expanded Paldean Pokémon
- Set symbol: radiant crown
(7) Journey Together
- Japanese release: November 2024 (Night Wanderer tie-in)
- English release: March 2025
- Highlights:
- Reintroduced Trainer’s Pokémon (Pokémon tied to Trainers)
- Featured fan-favorite Trainers like N, Iono, Lillie, Hop
- Set symbol: partnership emblem
(8) Destined Rivals
- Japanese release: January 2025 (Ancient Roar / Future Flash continuation)
- English release: May 2025
- Highlights:
- Expanded Trainer’s Pokémon theme
- Featured Cynthia, Ethan, Arven, Misty, Marnie, Steven
- Set symbol: crossed blades
(9 & 10) Black Bolt & White Flare (Dual Expansion)
- Japanese release: March 2025
- English release: July 2025
- Highlights:
- Split expansion covering all Unova Pokémon (Gen V)
- Introduced new rarity: Black White Rare (BWR)
- Focused on Reshiram (White Flare) and Zekrom (Black Bolt)
- Set symbol: opposing flame/bolt icons
Summary Timeline
- 2023 — Scarlet & Violet, Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames, 151, Paradox Rift
- 2024 — Temporal Forces, Twilight Masquerade, Stellar Crown
- 2025 — Journey Together, Destined Rivals, Black Bolt & White Flare
The Scarlet & Violet Series concludes in 2025, transitioning to the brand-new Mega Evolution Series, which reintroduces Mega Evolution Pokémon ex as the headline mechanic.