Pokémon TCG’s Prismatic Evolutions Sparks Controversy Ahead of Release

KENT, Wash. — The highly anticipated Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) expansion, Prismatic Evolutions, set to release on January 17, 2025, has sparked controversy as some local game stores refuse to stock the set, citing safety concerns for employees and property.

The expansion, which features over 175 cards including Stellar Tera ex versions of Eevee and its evolutions, has already faced distribution challenges. Some stores report receiving only a fraction of their ordered packs, fueling frustration among collectors and resellers. Retro Emporium, a local game store in Kent, Washington, announced on Instagram that it will not carry the set due to “overly aggressive (and entitled) behavior” from collectors and resellers. The store emphasized that “cardboard” isn’t worth risking the safety of its staff.

Retro Emporium’s decision has garnered support from the local community. Commenters on the Instagram post praised the store for prioritizing employee safety, despite their disappointment over missing out on the new set. The post also claimed that another unnamed store made a similar decision, though no further details were provided.

The controversy comes amid a surge in Pokémon TCG’s popularity, with resellers often competing aggressively for limited stock. Recent incidents, such as a $10,000 theft of Pokémon cards from Metro Entertainment in Santa Barbara, California, have heightened concerns about safety and security in the hobby. While unverified comments on Reddit suggested Retro Emporium had experienced similar thefts, no evidence has been confirmed.

Prismatic Evolutions marks the first set in the Scarlet & Violet series to feature Stellar Tera ex Pokémon, including fan-favorite Eeveelutions. The set also includes reprints of popular cards with new artwork, such as Shinji Kanda’s striking depiction of Roaring Moon ex and Yukihiro Tada’s vibrant Teal Mask Ogerpon ex. Despite the excitement, the set’s release has been overshadowed by the growing tension between collectors, resellers, and retailers.

As the release date approaches, the Pokémon TCG community remains divided. While some fans lament the impact of resellers on the hobby, others applaud stores like Retro Emporium for taking a stand. The Pokémon Company International has yet to comment on the situation.