Pokemon TCG Rushes to Print More Due to Prismatic Evolutions Shortage
The Pokémon Company is actively addressing the stock shortage of the Pokémon Trading Card Game's (TCG) latest expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. This article delves into the causes of the shortage and the steps being taken to resolve it.
Pokémon's Latest Expansion Shortage Due to High Demand
Pokémon Company Reprinting More to Address the Issue
According to a report by IGN on January 16, 2025, The Pokémon Company is tackling the shortage of the Pokémon TCG's latest set, Prismatic Evolutions.
"We’re aware that some fans may experience difficulties purchasing certain Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions products at launch due to high demand impacting availability," stated a spokesperson from The Pokémon Company. "We understand this inconvenience can be disappointing for fans, and we are actively working to print more of the impacted Pokémon TCG products as quickly as possible and at maximum capacity to address this."
While fans may need to wait longer to get their hands on this highly anticipated set, it's reassuring to know that The Pokémon Company is committed to restocking to meet demand.
Demand for Pokémon TCG’s Prismatic Evolutions Hurts Local US Stores
The shortage of the Prismatic Evolutions expansion was first reported on the Pokémon TCG fan website, PokeBeach, on January 4, 2025.
Local Pokémon stores in the US are feeling the impact due to the unexpected demand for this product. "I think a large part of the issue is that stores who do not normally order Pokémon are requesting to buy this set from distributors," explained Deguire, the owner of Player 1 Services, one of the largest Pokémon stores in Maryland, USA.
With many stores vying for the set, distributors have had to limit supplies by "10% to 15%" for local retailers. As a result, local Pokémon stores are struggling as retail allocations are spread thinly "to give the product to as many stores as possible to retain as many accounts as possible," while major retailers like GameStop and Target receive larger shares.
The shortage may lead to price spikes on certain editions of the Prismatic Evolutions set. For instance, the yet-to-be-released Elite Trainer Box is already being sold on secondary markets for $127 USD, far exceeding its retail price of $55. However, once The Pokémon Company increases production, scalpers may lower their prices or even stop hoarding the various editions of Prismatic Evolutions.
Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions’ 2024 Announcement
The Pokémon Company announced the latest expansion of Pokémon TCG, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions, on November 1, 2024, with a launch date set for January 17, 2025. This set introduces Tera Pokémon ex, new special illustration rare cards, ultra rare Supporter cards, and more.
On January 7, 2025, the company further detailed that the set would include "all sorts of exciting new cards along with reprints of popular cards from recent expansions that feature all-new artwork." Notable additions include Teal Mask Ogerpon ex, illustrated by Yukihiro Tada, and Roaring Moon ex by Shinji Kanda.
Additional editions of Prismatic Evolutions, such as the Surprise Box and Mini Tin, are scheduled for release on February 7, 2025, featuring Eevee and its eight evolutions as Stellar Tera Pokémon ex. Further releases include the Booster Bundle and Pouch Special Collection, set to launch on March 7 and April 25, 2025, respectively.
Fans can also experience the set in Pokémon TCG Live for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices starting January 16, 2025, one day before its official release. Playing TCG Live first can provide an early opportunity to explore the new set and update your decks.
