Prismatic Evolutions Shortage Prompts Pokemon TCG to Rush to Print More

High Demand for Pokémon TCG's Prismatic Evolutions Prompts Reprints

The Pokémon Company is responding to unexpectedly high demand for its latest Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions, by initiating immediate reprints. This follows reports of significant stock shortages impacting retailers, particularly smaller, independent stores in the US.

The Pokémon Company acknowledged the issue on January 16, 2025, stating that they are working at maximum capacity to increase production and address the widespread availability problems. While fans may experience delays in acquiring the set, the company assures them that more cards are on the way.

The shortage, first reported by PokeBeach on January 4, 2025, has disproportionately affected smaller US retailers. According to Deguire, owner of Player 1 Services in Maryland, the influx of orders from stores not typically stocking Pokémon TCG products overwhelmed distributors, leading to reduced allocations for local shops. Larger retailers like GameStop and Target received significantly larger shipments.

This scarcity has already led to inflated prices on the secondary market, with the Elite Trainer Box, for example, selling for $127 USD—more than double its $55 USD retail price. However, increased supply from the Pokémon Company's reprint efforts is expected to mitigate this price gouging.

Initially announced on November 1, 2024, for a January 17, 2025 launch, Prismatic Evolutions features Tera Pokémon ex, new special illustration rare cards, and reprints of popular cards with updated artwork. Additional product releases, including a Surprise Box, Mini Tin, Booster Bundle, and Pouch Special Collection, are scheduled for February 7, March 7, and April 25, 2025, respectively. A digital version of the set launched on Pokémon TCG Live on January 16, 2025.