Pokémon cards are sold out in 2025 due to a combination of factors including unprecedented demand from a growing number of collectors, ongoing supply chain and production challenges, and the impact of scalpers who buy up large quantities of cards to resell at significantly higher prices. Limited-edition sets and rare cards with unique illustrations have driven buyer frenzy, and distribution issues continue to limit availability in stores despite efforts to increase production. As a result, stock shortages persist both in physical stores and online marketplaces.
Key Reasons for Pokémon Card Shortages in 2025
- Increased Demand: A large group of new and seasoned collectors, including adults who grew up with Pokémon, are actively purchasing cards, driving demand to record levels.
- Supply Chain Issues: Factory closures, shipping delays, and production material shortages remain unresolved from the COVID-19 pandemic impact, affecting the supply.
- Scalpers and Resellers: Many individuals buy cards in bulk immediately upon release to resell them at a markup, leaving fewer cards for genuine collectors and regular buyers.
- Limited Edition and Rare Cards: Special sets and rare holographic cards with unique artwork, like the Tera Crown Pikachu ex or Umbreon ex Special Illustration cards, are highly coveted and produced in limited runs.
- Retailer and Distributor Challenges: Stores receive limited allocations, and some retailers do not implement stock controls effectively, enabling scalpers to dominate the market.
Market Dynamics and Outlook
This shortage situation is expected to continue through 2025 as Pokémon remains a highly profitable franchise, and the company balances between meeting demand and avoiding overproduction, which could hurt profits. Online buying competition also contributes to quick sellouts and rising prices.
In summary, Pokémon card sellouts in 2025 are largely due to high collector demand combined with supply constraints and market manipulation by scalpers, making them harder to find than before.
