Pokemon TCG Aims to ‘Boost Production’ for Upcoming Sets

The Pokemon Company is pulling out all the stops to ramp up production of future Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) sets and expansions due to overwhelming demand. They’ve confirmed that certain Pokemon TCG products will be reprinted and more stock will soon hit the shelves at the Pokemon Center and various retailers. Additionally, the company is working on enhancing the shopping experience at the Pokemon Center.

After reports emerged of canceled pre-orders for the “Destined Rivals” set, the company announced its plans to “maximize production” of upcoming Pokemon TCG offerings. Over the past few months, ballooning demand has made it increasingly challenging for enthusiasts to get their hands on new packs and boxes when they release.

Even with the massive success of the Pokemon TCG Pocket mobile game, many fans are still dedicated to the physical tabletop version, relishing in the thrill of collecting cards, building competitive decks, and dueling friends. Lately, though, it’s become tougher to snag new cards, largely due to scalpers seeking profits. In response, GameStop has halted pre-orders, and purchase limits were put in place for some items. To level the playing field, the Pokemon Center has implemented a queuing system to give fans a fair shot at new products upon launch. However, alarm bells rang throughout the community when pre-orders for “Destined Rivals” started getting canceled without warning.

A recent post on the official Pokemon website acknowledges the difficulties fans face in acquiring Pokemon TCG products amid sky-high demand. In response, the company promises to boost production efforts for future sets and expansions, thereby increasing product availability on launch day. They also plan on reprinting products that have been hit hardest by demand, which will soon be made accessible at participating retailers and online through the Pokemon Center.

Beyond simply increasing product availability, The Pokemon Company aims to refine the buying process, leveraging technology to ensure that fans can secure the products they crave. While no new strategies have been officially rolled out, the company is committed to exploring additional methods to enhance the Pokemon Center, hoping to prevent situations like the earlier pre-order cancellations.

Although it’s uncertain whether these increased production measures will fully satisfy the eager Pokemon TCG fanbase, several new releases, including “The Glory of Team Rocket” expansion, are on the horizon. This expansion is set to debut new Team Rocket cards in Japan this coming April, with the much-anticipated “Destined Rivals” delivering Team Rocket excitement to fans outside of Japan in May.