The Pokémon Company is addressing a significant stock shortage of its latest Pokémon TCG expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. Read on to discover the cause of the shortage and the company's plan to resolve the issue.

Pokémon's Latest Expansion: High Demand Leads to Shortage

The Pokémon Company Responds with Increased Production

As reported by IGN on January 16, 2025, The Pokémon Company is actively working to alleviate the shortage of Prismatic Evolutions.

"We are aware that some fans are experiencing difficulty purchasing Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions products due to unexpectedly high demand," a Pokémon Company spokesperson stated. "We understand this is frustrating, and we are working at maximum capacity to increase production and get more cards into the hands of our fans as quickly as possible."

While fans may need to wait a little longer, the Pokémon Company's commitment to resolving the supply issue is reassuring.

High Demand Impacts US Retailers

The shortage was first highlighted on January 4, 2025, by the Pokémon TCG fan website, PokeBeach. The report detailed the impact on smaller US retailers.

According to Deguire, owner of Player 1 Services (a major Pokémon store in Maryland), the unexpected demand created a significant challenge. "Many stores that don't usually order Pokémon products are now requesting this set," he explained. This surge in orders led distributors to limit supplies to local retailers by 10% to 15%. This resulted in larger chains like GameStop and Target receiving a disproportionate share of the allocation, leaving smaller stores significantly underserved.

The shortage is also driving up prices on the secondary market. Reports indicate that the yet-to-be-released Elite Trainer Box is already selling for $127 USD (retail price: $55). However, it's anticipated that increased stock levels will eventually stabilize prices and reduce scalping activity.

Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions: A Highly Anticipated Release

Announced on November 1, 2024, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions launched 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 Pokémon Company revealed that the set includes reprints of popular cards with new artwork. Examples include Teal Mask Ogerpon ex (illustrated by Yukihiro Tada) and Roaring Moon ex (by Shinji Kanda).

Additional Prismatic Evolutions products, such as the Surprise Box and Mini Tin (featuring Eevee and its evolutions as Stellar Tera Pokémon ex), launched on February 7, 2025. A Booster Bundle and Pouch Special Collection will follow on March 7 and April 25, 2025, respectively.

A digital version of the set was made available on January 16, 2025, in Pokémon TCG Live for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, allowing players to experience the new cards before physical copies became widely available.