The Pokemon Company is actively tackling the stock shortage of the Pokemon Trading Card Game's (TCG) latest expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. Learn more about the causes of the shortage and the steps being taken to resolve it.

Pokemon's Latest Expansion Shortage Due to High Demand

Pokemon Company Reprinting More to Address the Issue

The Pokemon Company is responding to the shortage of the Pokemon Trading Card Game’s (TCG) latest set, Prismatic Evolutions, as reported by IGN on January 16, 2025.

"We understand that some fans may face challenges in purchasing certain Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions products at launch due to high demand affecting availability," stated a spokesperson from the Pokemon Company. "We recognize the disappointment this may cause and are swiftly working to print more of the affected Pokémon TCG products at our maximum capacity to address this issue."

While fans may need to wait longer to acquire this latest set, it's comforting 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 noted on the Pokemon TCG fan website, PokeBeach, on January 4, 2025.

According to the report, the unexpected demand has led to shortages in local Pokemon stores across the US. "A significant factor contributing to the issue is that stores not typically stocking Pokemon products are now ordering this set from distributors," explained Deguire, the owner of Player 1 Services, one of the largest Pokemon stores in Maryland, USA.

Due to high demand, distributors have reduced supplies to local retailers by "10% to 15%." As a result, local Pokemon stores are facing the brunt of the shortage, as retail allocations are being spread thinly to accommodate as many stores as possible. Meanwhile, larger retailers like GameStop and Target have received a larger share of the stock.

This shortage may lead to price spikes for certain editions of the Prismatic Evolutions set. The yet-to-be-released Elite Trainer Box, with a retail price of $55, is already being sold on secondary markets for $127 USD. However, once the Pokemon Company increases production, scalpers may lower prices or refrain from hoarding the various editions of Prismatic Evolutions.

Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions’ 2024 Announcement

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

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

Additional editions of Prismatic Evolutions, such as the Surprise Box and Mini Tin, are scheduled for release on February 7, 2025. These editions feature Eevee and its eight evolutions, all 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 also experience the set in Pokemon TCG Live for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices starting January 16, 2025, one day before its official release. Playing TCG Live beforehand offers a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the new set and update your decks.