Pokemon TCG Rushes to Print More Due to Prismatic Evolutions Shortage

The Pokemon Company is tackling a stock shortage of the latest Pokemon TCG expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. Learn about the causes behind the shortage and how the TCG plans to resolve it.

Pokemon's Latest Expansion Shortage Due to High Demand

The Pokemon Company is actively addressing the shortage of the highly anticipated Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) set, Prismatic Evolutions, as reported by IGN on January 16, 2025.

A spokesperson from the Pokemon Company stated, "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. 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 a bit longer to secure this latest set, it's reassuring to know that The Pokemon Company is diligently working to replenish stock levels.

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

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

Local Pokemon stores in the US are feeling the pinch due to the unexpected surge in demand for this product. Deguire, the owner of Player 1 Services—one of the largest Pokemon stores in Maryland, USA—explained, "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."

As a result of the high demand, distributors have had to limit supplies to local retailers by "10% to 15%." This has left local Pokemon stores struggling as retail allocations are spread thin "to give the product to as many stores as possible to retain as many accounts as possible," while larger chains like GameStop and Target receive a larger share.

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

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 features Tera Pokemon ex, new special illustration rare cards, ultra rare Supporter cards, and more.

On January 7, 2025, the company further detailed that the set includes "all sorts of exciting new cards along with reprints of popular cards from recent expansions that feature all-new artwork." Highlights include the Teal Mask Ogerpon ex, illustrated by Yukihiro Tada, and Roaring Moon ex by Shinji Kanda.

Additionally, other editions of Prismatic Evolutions are scheduled for release, including the Surprise Box and Mini Tin on February 7, 2025, featuring Eevee and its eight evolutions as Stellar Tera Pokemon ex. Further releases include the Booster Bundle on March 7, 2025, and the Pouch Special Collection on April 25, 2025.

Fans can get an early taste of the set in Pokemon TCG Live, available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices, starting January 16, 2025. For those eager to experience the new cards and update their decks, trying out TCG Live first is a great way to prepare for the official release.