The international release of Pokémon TCG set Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] on 17 January 2025 brought with it a wave of Pokémon TCG mania across the planet the likes of which has arguably never been seen before. A set focused on the fan-favorite Eeveelutions in Stellar-type Terastallized form, Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] contains many highly coveted cards including special illustration rare versions of the Eeveelutions as well as the first-ever English-exclusive Master Ball Mirror cards. There’s also a chance that buyers could land a “God Pack”—a booster pack stacked with mega-rare cards.

At card stores all over the world, queues to purchase the most anticipated English Pokémon TCG products since 151 [MEW]—a set with a level of hype which for that matter, Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] might have even surpassed—formed many hours before doors opened with thousands of buyers eager to be the first to get their hands on one of four Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] items: the Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box, Prismatic Evolutions Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box, Prismatic Evolutions Binder Collection, and Prismatic Evolutions Poster Collection.

To deter scalpers who would have sought to use these hotly-anticipated items as an underhanded means to make money, most stores implemented certain anti-scalper measures prior to release. Among these measures included limiting the number of items that a buyer could purchase, unsealing all items upon purchase, and requiring personal identification to be shown before buying any Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] item.

In general, these requirements served their purpose as most stores’ Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] launch day went according to plan. Over the course of the rest of the day and the subsequent weekend, countless buyers took to social media to show off their latest acquisitions and some of the more impressive cards which they’d landed from their purchases.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Owing to a severe Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] product stock shortage, some stores weren’t able to procure any of its products and were thus unable to sell them on launch day.

At Pokémon Center Singapore, meanwhile, the crowd was so large that the store was unable to physically accommodate everyone who showed up, causing the in-person launch to be canceled. Instead, the launch took place online on Pokémon Store Shopee Singapore; unsurprisingly, the products reportedly sold out within two minutes of their listing.

At a Costco store in Los Angeles, a brawl broke out among several overzealous buyers who showed up for a chance to buy Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] products. Although it hasn’t been outright stated as to what action was taken against these brawlers, it’s been rumored that those involved were ejected and banned from the store while also having their respective Costco memberships revoked.

It was for security reasons such as this that some card stores entirely opted out of selling Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] products.

Many prospective buyers took to the Pokémon Center’s online store after having heard rumors that there would be a same-day product restock. However, this turned out not to be the case; the people who signed in to wait for the restock were left disappointed—some after having waited for up to half a day.

Finally, as is so often the case, many people interested in making a purchase were unable to after having been beaten to it by scalpers who bought dozens of copies of Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] products at stores which neglected to enforce suitable anti-scalper regulations.

In other TCG-related news, check out the Lopunny Master Ball Mirror card from Prismatic Evolutions [PRE]. Alternatively, you can also head over to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and find the top trending and latest single cards and boxes.

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