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 Pokemon Trading Card Game’s latest expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. Here's a detailed look at the causes behind the shortage and the steps being taken to resolve it.

Pokemon's Latest Expansion Shortage Due to High Demand

The Pokemon Company has acknowledged the shortage of the Pokemon TCG's latest set, Prismatic Evolutions, as reported by IGN on January 16, 2025. A spokesperson from the 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."

Although fans may need to wait a bit longer to secure these sought-after cards, it's encouraging to know that The Pokemon Company is diligently working to replenish stock to meet demand.

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

The shortage of the Prismatic Evolutions expansion was first highlighted on the Pokemon TCG fan site, PokeBeach, on January 4, 2025. Local Pokemon stores in the US have been particularly affected due to the unexpected high demand for this product. Deguire, owner of Player 1 Services, a prominent Pokemon store 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."

Distributors have responded by limiting supplies to local retailers by "10% to 15%," spreading the allocations thinly to ensure as many stores as possible receive some product. Consequently, major retailers like GameStop and Target have received a larger portion of the stock. This shortage has also led to price spikes in the secondary market, with the yet-to-be-released Elite Trainer Box already being sold for $127 USD, significantly above its retail price of $55. However, with increased production, scalpers may be forced to lower their prices or stop hoarding the Prismatic Evolutions set and its various editions.

Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions’ 2024 Announcement

The excitement surrounding Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions began with its announcement on November 1, 2024, with a planned launch date of January 17, 2025. This set promises an array of new cards, including Tera Pokemon ex, special illustration rare cards, and ultra rare Supporter cards. On January 7, 2025, the company further teased the set's contents, revealing new cards like Teal Mask Ogerpon ex, illustrated by Yukihiro Tada, and Roaring Moon ex by Shinji Kanda, along with reprints featuring fresh artwork.

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

Fans eager to experience the new set can try it out a day before its official release in Pokemon TCG Live on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices starting January 16, 2025. This early access provides a great opportunity for players to familiarize themselves with the new cards and update their decks accordingly.