Pokémon TCG Rushes More Prints Amidst Prismatic Evolutions Shortage

The Pokémon Company is addressing a significant shortage of its latest Pokémon TCG expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. Read on to discover the reasons behind the shortage and the company's plan to resolve the issue.

Pokémon's Latest Expansion: High Demand Creates Shortage

The Pokémon Company Responds with Increased Production

As reported by IGN on January 16, 2025, The Pokémon Company acknowledges the difficulties many fans are experiencing in obtaining Prismatic Evolutions products. A spokesperson 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 acknowledge this." While fans may need to wait, the company assures them that increased production is underway.

High Demand Impacts US Retailers

The shortage was first highlighted by the Pokémon TCG fan website, PokeBeach, on January 4, 2025. The report details how unexpectedly high demand has left many smaller US retailers struggling to keep up. Deguire, owner of Player 1 Services, a major Pokémon store in Maryland, explained, "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." This surge in demand led distributors to limit supplies by 10% to 15% for local retailers, resulting in significantly reduced allocations compared to larger chains like GameStop and Target. This unequal distribution has exacerbated the shortage for smaller, independent stores.

The shortage has also driven up prices on the secondary market. The upcoming Elite Trainer Box, for example, is already selling for $127 USD (retail price: $55). However, it's anticipated that increased stock levels will likely curb these inflated prices and discourage scalping.

Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions: A Highly Anticipated Release

Announced on November 1, 2024, with a release date of January 17, 2025, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions features highly sought-after cards, including Tera Pokémon ex, new special illustration rare cards, and ultra rare Supporter cards. On January 7, 2025, The Pokémon Company further emphasized the inclusion of reprints of popular cards with new artwork, such as Teal Mask Ogerpon ex and Roaring Moon ex.

Additional product releases are planned for February 7th (Surprise Box and Mini Tin featuring Eevee evolutions), March 7th (Booster Bundle), and April 25th (Pouch Special Collection). Fans could also experience the set early via Pokémon TCG Live, available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices starting January 16, 2025.