The Pokémon Company has taken a significant step to address the frustrations fans have experienced in acquiring recent Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) sets. In a recent statement, the company has confirmed plans for reprints of sought-after sets and emphasized their commitment to improving product availability for enthusiasts.
The launch of the latest set, Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was marred by supply shortages, pre-order complications, and the presence of scalpers. This set, along with other popular releases like Prismatic Evolutions and the Blooming Waters box, have been notoriously hard to find due to overwhelming demand.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box Images
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In their official statement on the Pokémon website, The Pokémon Company acknowledged the challenges fans face in purchasing certain TCG products due to high demand. "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 to address this," the statement explained. They assured fans that reprints would soon be available at participating retailers.
Looking forward, The Pokémon Company plans to "maximize production" for upcoming TCG expansions to ensure better availability at launch. They also committed to ongoing reprints of affected products to maintain stock levels, including at the Pokémon Center.
In response to scalping issues, the company indirectly addressed the problem by highlighting their efforts to enhance the purchasing experience at the Pokémon Center. They utilize a virtual queue system during high-traffic periods to prioritize fans. "We are committed to providing a smooth purchasing experience and employ technology that helps get products into the hands of fans first and foremost," they stated. The company also promised to continue exploring measures to improve the overall experience for Pokémon Center customers.
The Pokémon Company expressed gratitude for the community's patience and support as they strive to make more Pokémon TCG products accessible to fans. With these initiatives, there's hope that the process of collecting and enjoying the Pokémon TCG will become less stressful with the release of new sets.