Pokemon TCG Rushes to Print More Due to Prismatic Evolutions Shortage

Pokemon's Latest Expansion Shortage Due to High Demand

Pokemon Company Reprinting More to Address the Issue

The Pokemon Company is actively addressing the shortage of the highly anticipated Pokemon Trading Card Game's (TCG) latest set, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. In a statement released on January 16, 2025, reported by IGN, a spokesperson from the company acknowledged the issue, stating, "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 get their hands on this exciting new set, it's reassuring to know that The Pokemon Company is committed to replenishing 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 highlighted by the fan site PokeBeach on January 4, 2025. According to the report, local Pokemon stores across the United States are feeling the pinch due to an unprecedented surge in demand for this set. Deguire, owner of Player 1 Services, one of Maryland's largest Pokemon stores, noted, "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."

Distributors have limited supplies by "10% to 15%" for local retailers, causing a ripple effect where local Pokemon stores are hit hardest as allocations are spread thinly to reach as many stores as possible. This has led to major retailers like GameStop and Target receiving larger shares of the stock. The shortage is also driving up prices on secondary markets, with the yet-to-be-released Elite Trainer Box already being listed at $127 USD, significantly above its $55 retail price. However, once The Pokemon Company ramps up production, it's expected that scalpers might lower their prices or cease hoarding the sets.

Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions’ 2024 Announcement

The Pokemon Company announced the Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions expansion on November 1, 2024, with a planned launch date of January 17, 2025. This set promises to bring excitement with Tera Pokemon ex, new special illustration rare cards, ultra rare Supporter cards, and more.

On January 7, 2025, further details were shared, revealing 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.

In addition to the main set, Pokemon TCG will release other editions of Prismatic Evolutions. The Surprise Box and Mini Tin, featuring Eevee and its eight evolutions as Stellar Tera Pokemon ex, are set to launch on February 7, 2025. Further releases include the Booster Bundle on March 7, 2025, and the Pouch Special Collection on April 25, 2025.

Fans eager to explore the new set can dive into it early via Pokemon TCG Live on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices starting January 16, 2025, one day before the official release. This provides an excellent opportunity for players to familiarize themselves with the new cards and update their decks before the physical cards hit the market.