Prismatic Evolutions Shortage Prompts Pokemon TCG to Rush to Print More

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

High Demand Causes Pokemon TCG's Latest Expansion Shortage

On January 16, 2025, IGN reported that The Pokemon Company is actively addressing the shortage of the Pokemon TCG's latest set, Prismatic Evolutions. 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."

While fans may need to wait longer to acquire this set, it's comforting to know that The Pokemon Company is diligently working to increase stock levels.

Impact on Local US Stores Due to Prismatic Evolutions Demand

The shortage of the Prismatic Evolutions expansion was first highlighted by the Pokemon TCG fan site, PokeBeach, on January 4, 2025. According to the report, local Pokemon stores in the US are struggling due to the unexpected demand for this product. Deguire, owner of Player 1 Services, one of the largest Pokemon stores 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."

Due to many stores ordering the set, distributors have limited supplies by "10% to 15%" for local retailers. This has resulted in local Pokemon stores facing 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 major retailers like GameStop and Target receive larger shares.

The shortage has led to price spikes, with the yet-to-be-released Elite Trainer Box being sold on secondary markets for $127 USD, far above its $55 retail price. However, once The Pokemon Company increases the stock, scalpers may lower prices or stop hoarding the Prismatic Evolutions set and its various editions.

Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions Announced in 2024

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

Further details released on January 7, 2025, revealed 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, other editions of Prismatic Evolutions will be released on February 7, 2025, including the Surprise Box and Mini Tin, featuring Eevee and its eight evolutions 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 early through Pokemon TCG Live on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices starting January 16, 2025, providing an opportunity to test the new cards and update their decks before the official release.