Pokemon TCG Rushes to Print More Due to Prismatic Evolutions Shortage

The Pokemon Company is taking swift action to address the stock shortage of the latest Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. Dive in to understand the reasons behind the shortage and the steps being taken to resolve it.

Pokemon's Latest Expansion Shortage Due to High Demand

Pokemon Company Reprinting More to Address the Issue

The Pokemon Company is tackling the shortage of the Pokemon TCG's latest set, Prismatic Evolutions, as highlighted by IGN on January 16, 2025.

"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," a spokesperson from the Pokemon Company stated. "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 might need to wait a bit longer to secure their copies, it's comforting to know that The Pokemon Company is diligently working to replenish stock to meet the demand.

Demand for Pokemon TCG’s Prismatic Evolutions Hurts Local US Stores

The shortage of the Prismatic Evolutions expansion was first reported on the Pokemon TCG fan site, PokeBeach, on January 4, 2025.

Local Pokemon stores across the US are feeling the pinch due to the unexpected demand for this product. "I think a large part of the issue is that stores who do not normally order Pokemon are requesting to buy this set from distributors," said Deguire, the owner of Player 1 Services, one of the largest Pokemon stores in Maryland, USA.

With numerous stores ordering the set, distributors have had to limit supplies by "10% to 15%" for local retailers. As a result, local Pokemon stores are hit hardest as retail allocations are spread thinly "to give the product to as many stores as possible to retain as many accounts as possible," while larger stores like GameStop and Target receive a larger share.

This shortage may lead to price spikes on certain editions of the Prismatic Evolutions set. For example, the yet-to-be-released Elite Trainer Box is already being sold on secondary markets for $127 USD, well above its retail price of $55. However, once The Pokemon Company increases stock levels, scalpers may reduce their prices or stop hoarding the various editions of Prismatic Evolutions.

Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions’ 2024 Announcement

On November 1, 2024, The Pokemon Company announced the latest expansion of Pokemon TCG, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions, set to launch on January 17, 2025. This set introduces Tera Pokemon ex, new special illustration rare cards, ultra rare Supporter cards, and more.

On January 7, 2025, the company further revealed that the set includes "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.

Pokemon TCG is also planning to release additional editions of Prismatic Evolutions on February 7, 2025, such as the Surprise Box and Mini Tin. These will feature Eevee and its eight evolutions, "all appearing as a Stellar Tera Pokemon ex." Further editions, including the Booster Bundle and Pouch Special Collection, are scheduled for release on March 7 and April 25, 2025, respectively.

Fans can experience the set one day before its official release by playing Pokemon TCG Live on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices starting January 16, 2025. If you're eager to explore the new set and update your decks, trying it out on TCG Live first is a great way to get started.