Pokémon Company International has released a statement addressing the recent Pokémon TCG shortage, thanking the community for its patience as it attempts to print more of the popular sets that continue to sell out, such as the latest expansion to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Prismatic Evolutions. A spokesperson stated the following to IGN:
“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 acknowledge this.”
“Reprinted products are expected to be available at participating retailers as soon as possible to help ensure more fans receive opportunities to access Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions. In addition, more new products from the Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions lineup will be launching in the coming months.
“We’d like to thank the community for their continued support and patience as we work to deliver this highly anticipated expansion to fans.”
This is welcome news for the Pokémon TCG community, which has been struggling to secure preorders and new release products since the Pikachu-focused “Surging Sparks” expansion on 8 November 2024.
Stock does seem to be slowly flooding the market, with Surging Sparks restocks, including Elite Trainer Boxes, still on sale in the UK at the time of writing at Amazon. It’s a similar story in the US, but stock levels are running out much faster.
The stock shortage also affects the recently announced “Journey Together” expansion, which sees trainer Pokémon return to the TCG for the first time since the early 2000s with “Gym Heroes.”
Looking to the reseller market, trainers also have little chance of getting a fair deal with new expansions either. Within the first hour of preorders going live, Elite Trainer Boxes, Enhanced Booster Boxes, and more appeared for more than triple their original price point.
It’s clear that the only way Pokémania 2025 will work for trainers is if print runs are increased moving forward, which in turn should allow everyone to “Catch ‘Em All”. Of course, we’ll be making sure we keep readers informed about restocks and preorders as they become available worldwide.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
