The Pokemon Company is actively addressing 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 the steps being taken to resolve it.
High Demand Causes Shortage of Pokemon's Latest Expansion
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 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 get their hands on this highly anticipated set, it's reassuring to know that The Pokemon Company is committed to increasing stock levels to meet demand.
Impact on Local US Stores Due to Prismatic Evolutions Demand
The shortage of the Prismatic Evolutions expansion was first reported by the Pokemon TCG fan website, PokeBeach, on January 4, 2025. Local Pokemon stores in the US are feeling the pinch due to the unexpected high demand for this product. Deguire, the owner of Player 1 Services, one of the largest Pokemon stores in Maryland, USA, 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, spreading allocations thinly to reach as many stores as possible. This has left local Pokemon stores struggling while larger retailers like GameStop and Target receive larger allocations. The shortage has also led to price spikes in 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 Pokemon Company increases production, scalpers may lower prices or reduce hoarding of Prismatic Evolutions products.
Announcement of Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions 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. On January 7, 2025, the company further revealed that the set would include "all sorts of exciting new cards along with reprints of popular cards from recent expansions that feature all-new artwork," such as Teal Mask Ogerpon ex illustrated by Yukihiro Tada and Roaring Moon ex by Shinji Kanda.
Additional editions of Prismatic Evolutions, including the Surprise Box and Mini Tin, are scheduled for release on February 7, 2025, 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 and update their decks before the official release.
