The Pokémon Company is actively addressing the stock shortage of the Pokémon Trading Card Game's (TCG) latest expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. Discover what led to the shortage and the steps being taken to resolve it.

Pokémon's Latest Expansion Faces Shortage Due to High Demand

The Pokémon Company has acknowledged the shortage of the Pokémon TCG's latest set, Prismatic Evolutions, as reported by IGN on January 16, 2025.

A spokesperson from The Pokémon 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 a bit longer to acquire this latest set, it's comforting to know that The Pokémon Company is diligently working to restore optimal stock levels.

Demand for Pokémon TCG's Prismatic Evolutions Impacts Local US Stores

The shortage of the Prismatic Evolutions expansion was first highlighted by the Pokémon TCG fan website, PokeBeach, on January 4, 2025.

According to the report, local Pokémon stores in the US are facing shortages due to the unexpected high demand for this set. Deguire, owner of Player 1 Services, one of Maryland's largest Pokémon stores, 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."

With numerous stores ordering the set, distributors have limited supplies by "10% to 15%" for local retailers. As a result, local Pokémon stores are hit hardest by the shortage, as retail allocations are spread thin "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 larger share.

This shortage may also lead to price spikes on certain editions of the Prismatic Evolutions set. The yet-to-be-released Elite Trainer Box is already being sold at secondary markets for $127 USD (the retail price is $55). However, once The Pokémon Company increases stock levels, scalpers may lower their prices or stop hoarding the set and its various editions.

Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions Announced in 2024

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

On January 7, 2025, further details were shared, revealing that the set includes "all sorts of exciting new cards along with reprints of popular cards from recent expansions that feature all-new artwork." Highlights include Teal Mask Ogerpon ex, illustrated by Yukihiro Tada, and Roaring Moon ex by Shinji Kanda.

Additional editions for Prismatic Evolutions are scheduled for release, 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 and the Pouch Special Collection on April 25, 2025.

Fans eager to experience the new set can try it out on Pokémon TCG Live for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices starting January 16, 2025, one day before its official release. Playing TCG Live can be a great way to get familiar with the latest set and update your decks before the physical cards hit the shelves.