Pokémon Company Promises Reprints Amid Trading Card Shortages

Tokyo, Japan – The Pokémon Company has officially addressed the ongoing challenges fans face in acquiring recent Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) sets, including the highly anticipated set, Destined Rivals. The announcement came in a statement on March 26, 2025, highlighting the company’s commitment to increasing product availability due to overwhelming demand.

In its statement, Pokémon acknowledged that fans have encountered significant difficulties in purchasing certain TCG products, primarily due to high demand affecting supply. The company said, “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.” Reprinted products are expected to reach participating retailers in the near future.

Destined Rivals has been particularly sought after since its unveiling on March 24, 2025, and is set to officially launch on May 30, 2025. This set marks the return of Trainer’s Pokémon cards and features Team Rocket, a notable group from the original Pokémon universe. Such elements have created considerable buzz among collectors and fans.

The statement also mentioned that the Pokémon Company would be maximizing production of future TCG expansions to enhance availability at launch and will continue reprints of affected products, including those sold at the Pokémon Center.

Addressing concerns around scalpers, Pokémon stated its commitment to ensuring a smooth purchasing experience on its Pokémon Center online store. The company has implemented a virtual queue during high-traffic periods to help prevent bots from securing limited stock. “We will continue to explore measures that help create the best possible experience for Pokémon Center customers,” the statement read.

Feedback from the community regarding these supply issues has been mixed, with many fans expressing frustration. A notable response came from Joe Merrick of Serebii, who shared his negative experience waiting in line for an Elite Trainer Box (ETB). “I truly hate this,” Merrick stated, commenting on the financial shift surrounding Pokémon TCG, which he feels prioritizes profit over enjoyment.

Reports indicate that scalpers have already taken advantage of the pre-order frenzy, with listings on platforms like eBay for ETBs reaching prices of several hundred dollars compared to the standard retail price of $54.99. This practice continues to frustrate dedicated fans trying to engage with the hobby in a meaningful way.

While demand for the Pokémon TCG remains high, the struggle to purchase products makes it challenging for many collectors. The Pokémon Company’s pledge to expand production and tackle scalper issues might restore some balance to the market, but fans are eager to see tangible improvements soon. The hope is that as new sets like Destined Rivals are released, the experience will become less stressful for players and collectors alike.