The Pokémon Company has swiftly addressed the stock shortage of the latest Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. This article delves into the reasons behind the shortage and the steps being taken to resolve it.

Pokémon Company Reprinting More to Address the Issue

The Pokémon Company is actively tackling the shortage of the Pokémon TCG's latest set, Prismatic Evolutions, as reported by IGN on January 16, 2025. 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 address this."

While fans may need to wait a bit longer to acquire this eagerly anticipated set, it's comforting to know that The Pokémon Company is diligently working to replenish the stock to meet the demand.

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

The shortage of the Prismatic Evolutions expansion was initially reported by the Pokémon TCG fan website, PokeBeach, on January 4, 2025. According to the report, local Pokémon stores in the US are feeling the impact due to the unexpected high demand for this set. Deguire, owner of Player 1 Services, one of the largest Pokémon stores in Maryland, USA, noted, "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."

As a result, distributors have limited supplies by "10% to 15%" for local retailers. This has led to local Pokémon stores experiencing the brunt of the shortage, as allocations are spread thinly to "give the product to as many stores as possible to retain as many accounts as possible," while larger retailers like GameStop and Target receive a more significant share.

The shortage has also led to price spikes in the secondary markets, with the yet-to-be-released Elite Trainer Box already being sold for $127 USD, well above its $55 retail price. However, once The Pokémon Company increases the stock of the Prismatic Evolutions set, scalpers may adjust their prices or even abandon hoarding the set and its various editions.

Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions’ 2024 Announcement

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

Further details were revealed on January 7, 2025, showcasing that the set will include "all sorts of exciting new cards along with reprints of popular cards from recent expansions that feature all-new artwork." Notable cards include Teal Mask Ogerpon ex, illustrated by Yukihiro Tada, and Roaring Moon ex by Shinji Kanda.

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

One day before its official release, fans can get a taste of the new set through Pokémon TCG Live, available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices starting January 16, 2025. This provides an excellent opportunity for players to familiarize themselves with the new cards and update their decks before the official launch.