Unfortunately, we've received word that Black Bolt and White Flare allocations will be much less than Prismatic Evolutions. Most stores will receive no product. This is according to one of TPCi's biggest U.S. distributors.
But there's also good news on the horizon that may explain why this is the case!
Following their initial print runs, TPCi has been busy reprinting past items like Surging Sparks booster boxes and Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Boxes. They have already started to arrive at stores in the United States. The new supply isn't as large as the original print runs, but it's still a sizeable amount. Prices on the secondary market are already dropping.
As usual, this new supply will trickle down through store supply chains over the coming months. It will depend on distribution chains how often the new supply will be sent to stores.
This latest information lines up with news in March that more Prismatic Evolutions and 151 products would be arriving at Gamestop this month.
As I've pointed out before, it usually takes TPCi around six months to respond to demand. Surging Sparks released in November and here we are six months later with additional product!
The Pokemon TCG has seen unprecedented demand since the release of Pokemon TCG Pocket in the fall. Currently, TPCi is printing future sets at maximum capacity.
It's likely TPCi will eventually catch up with demand for Black Bolt and White Flare as well. It's a special set with multiple release dates, so TPCi can release additional product over a longer period of time.
If you're a Pokemon TCG collector, it's always best to be patient for new product. Never give in to FOMO. Never pay scalpers for product. Pay attention to the short-term of course, but remember collecting is a long-term goal!
