High Demand Makes Pokémon TCG’s Prismatic Evolutions Set Hard to Find in Stores

The highly anticipated Pokémon Trading Card Game set, titled Prismatic Evolutions, is likely to be challenging to find in retail stores due to an overwhelming surge in demand. This special set, set to debut in early 2025, will feature an engaging blend of reprinted cards boasting new artwork, alongside a selection of exciting new cards. Notably, fans can look forward to the inclusion of Pokémon ex versions of Eevee and all its evolutions, complemented by a plethora of alternate art and special illustration cards. However, recent reports indicate that certain retailers may face significant stock shortages upon its release.

According to the Pokémon TCG website PokeBeach, some game stores are anticipated to receive merely 10% to 15% of the Prismatic Evolutions inventory they originally ordered. While The Pokémon Company has printed the products in quantities similar to earlier sets, such as Paldean Fates, distributors have seen a flood of additional orders from retailers that traditionally do not stock Pokémon TCG items. Consequently, this has led to a drastic reduction in allocations to many local game stores, which could result in substantial shortages when the set officially launches.

Reasons Behind the High Demand for Pokémon TCG’s Prismatic Evolutions

Exclusive Release Format: No Standard Booster Packs

What fuels the exceptional demand for Prismatic Evolutions? One key aspect is that this set will not be available through regular booster pack sales. Instead, it will be sold exclusively in package formats such as Elite Trainer Boxes, Booster Bundles, and limited edition boxed collections. This approach inherently limits the availability for retail outlets since they won’t have the standard booster packs to sell individually.

Moreover, past limited-edition Eevee-themed sets have yielded cards that achieved astonishing prices on the secondary market. For example, the Evolving Skies set, released toward the conclusion of the Pokémon Sword & Shield series, features an alternate art Umbreon card valued at more than $1,400 even three years post-launch. Speculation abounds regarding potential chase cards from Prismatic Evolutions, further intensifying interest from both collectors and scalpers looking to profit quickly.

Our Perspective: The Impact of Low Supply on Pokémon TCG

Potential for Scalper Acquisition of Prismatic Evolutions

Despite efforts made by Pokémon TCG to bolster printing efforts, the company appears to still be misjudging the immense popularity of certain sets. Scalpers have been known to deplete stock of previous releases such as Scarlet & Violet – 151, and indications suggest that Prismatic Evolutions may follow suit.

Fortunately, it is worth noting that special sets typically benefit from more extended print runs compared to standard TCG releases. Consequently, fans will eventually have opportunities to obtain products from Prismatic Evolutions. Nonetheless, if any cards within the set prove to be game-changers in competitive play, the demand for this latest installment of Pokémon TCG could spike even higher.

Source: PokeBeach

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