The Pokémon Company is actively tackling the stock shortage of the Pokémon Trading Card Game's (TCG) latest expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. Here's a detailed look at the causes of the shortage and the steps being taken to resolve the issue.

Pokémon's Latest Expansion Shortage Due to High Demand

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

"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," stated a spokesperson from the Pokémon Company. "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 meet this demand."

While fans may need to wait a bit longer to get their hands on this eagerly anticipated set, it's reassuring to know that The Pokémon Company is diligently working to restock to optimal levels.

Demand for Pokémon TCG’s Prismatic Evolutions Hurts 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 unprecedented demand for this product. "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," explained Deguire, owner of Player 1 Services, one of the largest Pokémon stores in Maryland, USA.

With numerous stores ordering the set, distributors have limited supplies by "10% to 15%" for local retailers. Consequently, local Pokémon stores are feeling the brunt of the shortage as retail 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.

This shortage might lead to price spikes for certain editions of the Prismatic Evolutions set. For instance, the yet-to-be-released Elite Trainer Box is already being sold on secondary markets for $127 USD (with a retail price of $55). However, scalpers might adjust their prices or avoid hoarding once The Pokémon Company increases the stock for TCG’s newest expansion.

Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions’ 2024 Announcement

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

On January 7, 2025, the company further 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.

Pokémon TCG is also set to release other editions of Prismatic Evolutions on February 7, 2025, including the Surprise Box and Mini Tin. These editions feature Eevee and its eight evolutions, "all appearing as a Stellar Tera Pokémon ex." Additionally, two more editions, the Booster Bundle and Pouch Special Collection, are scheduled for release on March 7 and April 25, 2025, respectively.

One day before its official release, fans can experience the set in Pokémon TCG Live on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices starting January 16, 2025. Trying out the set in TCG Live before its full release could be a great way to get a feel for the new cards and update your decks.