Summary
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s lukewarm reception seems to have had an impact onPokemon TCGsales, which have dropped since the latestPokemonentries were released on the Nintendo Switch in 2022. Fans were less than thrilled with Game Freak’s latest monster-gathering JRPGs, asPokemon Scarlet and Violetquickly became some of thelowest-rated mainlinePokemonentriesdespite their record-breaking launch. Players even started review-bombingPokemon Scarlet and Violetfor various reasons, including their many performance issues.
Meanwhile, thePokemon TCGstarted promotingScarlet and Violetwith new cards inspired by the creatures of the Paldea region in 2023, starting with sets centered around the new starter trio of Fuecoco, Quaxly, and Sprigatito. As the year went on, additionalPokemon TCGexpansions were released, bringingPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s new Terastallized Pokemon and Legendaries into the mix. However, these shiny new cards might not have had the effect on sales that the people behind the ever-popularPokemon TCGwere hoping for.
DualShockersrecently spoke to numerous retailers in the UK, US, Netherlands, Germany, Canada, and Australia, and most of them say thatPokemon TCGsales are down across the board sincePokemon Scarlet and Violet’s launch in late 2022. According to the Australian website Trainer Hub, pre-orders forPokemoncards have fallen by at least 50%. Additionally, sales of 2023’sPokemon TCGPaldean Fates holiday set were 60% compared to the previous year’s Crown Zenith. Another store reportedly sold only 150Scarlet and Violetcard sets at launch, after selling 300Sword and Shield-based booster boxes whenever they hit shelves.
Pokemon TCG Sales Are Down For Many Different Reasons
When asked what might be causing this decline inPokemon TCGsales, many of the retailers pointed to ongoing economic issues, such as higher inflation rates and consumers having less disposable income. Sure enough, The Pokemon Company announced an increase in sticker prices for most ofitsPokemon TCGproductsin 2022, with basic booster packs going from $3.99 to $4.49.
However, a greater factor might be The Pokemon Company printing too many cards to maintain a healthy supply/demand ratio. US retailer Mothership Games theorizes that with supplies so high,Pokemon TCGscalpersare no longer inclined to buy and resell rare cards like they did during the days of COVID. This increased supply has also lowered the value of rare cards, meaning collectors have less of a reason to invest in a product that might not get them that much back in return.
Lastly, thePokemon Scarlet and Violetcardsthemselves might not be as appealing to fans, as some of the retailers referred to the more recent sets as “relatively bad” and “lazy,” with “recycled artwork” and “terrible design choices.” All of these factors, as well as the Gen 9 games being divisive overall, have led to a decrease inPokemon TCGsales over the past couple of years.
Pokemon TCG
Pokemon TCG (Trading Card Game) is a collectible and strategy based card game based on Nintendo’s Pokemon franchise. Two players face off against one another, battling one Pokemon at a time and attempting to knock them out to claim one of six prize cards. The cards have also become highly collectible with some in particular selling for thousands of dollars.
