Pokemon TCG's Prismatic Evolutions: Addressing High Demand and Stock Shortages
The Pokemon Company is responding to significant stock shortages of its latest Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. High demand, exceeding initial production, is the primary cause.
Increased Production Underway
The Pokemon Company acknowledges the difficulties faced by fans in obtaining Prismatic Evolutions products. A spokesperson confirmed that they are actively increasing production to meet the unexpectedly high demand, working at maximum capacity to replenish stock as quickly as possible.
Impact on Retailers
The surge in demand disproportionately affected smaller, local US retailers. Reports from PokeBeach, a Pokemon TCG fan website, highlighted the issue. Limited distribution allocations, favoring larger chains like GameStop and Target, left smaller stores with insufficient stock. This situation, according to Deguire of Player 1 Services, a major Maryland retailer, is partly due to stores not usually stocking Pokemon TCG products placing large orders for Prismatic Evolutions. This resulted in distributors limiting supplies to 10-15% for local retailers.
The scarcity is also driving up prices on the secondary market. The Elite Trainer Box, for example, is already selling for significantly more than its retail price. However, this price inflation is expected to ease once the Pokemon Company increases supply.
Expansion Details and Release Schedule
Announced on November 1st, 2024, and launched January 17th, 2025, Prismatic Evolutions features Tera Pokemon ex, new special illustration rare cards, and ultra rare Supporter cards. Reprints of popular cards with new artwork were also included, such as Teal Mask Ogerpon ex and Roaring Moon ex.
Additional product releases are scheduled for February 7th (Surprise Box and Mini Tin), March 7th (Booster Bundle), and April 25th (Pouch Special Collection), 2025, featuring Eevee and its evolutions as Stellar Tera Pokemon ex. A digital version was also released on January 16th, 2025, for Pokemon TCG Live.
