The Pokémon TCG market is in turmoil. Reprints of several popular Scarlet & Violet sets are on the way, including Paldea Evolved, Surging Sparks, Obsidian Flames and Twilight Masquerade. This could have a huge impact on the prices of both sealed products and single cards. But what does this really mean for collectors and investors? Let’s take a closer look at the situation.
Please note: the prices in this blog are from March 2025. They show the movement in the market well, but always check today’s offer for a current price.
Why reprints are important
Reprints play a crucial role in the Pokémon market. They keep cards accessible to new collectors and reduce the risk of extreme price increases. Without reprints, some products would become unaffordable, which would be detrimental to the enjoyment of the hobby. On the other hand, reprints can also negatively impact the value of previously released cards. It is therefore important to carefully assess how a reprint will affect the market.
The impact of reprints on the market
As you know, reprints often have a clear impact on the market. This usually happens in three stages:
- The announcement of the reprint: People expect a price drop and start selling their inventory. Result? Prices of sealed products slowly drop.
- The reprints hit the market: Stores fill their shelves, products become more available and prices drop further.
- Single card prices drop: With more products in circulation, collectors open more packs, which lowers the value of singles.
However, we live in a different time than before. Demand for Pokémon products is huge and scalpers still have an influence on prices. This makes it difficult to predict how much the market will actually drop. A recent reprint like Crown Zenith, for example, showed that some prices barely dropped despite new stock on the market.
What can we expect?
Looking at specific sets, we see clear trends. Paldea Evolved, for example, has increased significantly in price. In December 2023 you could buy a booster box for around €130, and in March 2025 the price was around €205. That is a significant increase. Even with a reprint, it is unlikely that the price will drop back to old levels, although a correction could come.
For Obsidian Flames it is a different story. This set started around €98 and stood at roughly €174 in March 2025. A bigger price drop is more likely here, as the hype around this set is smaller than around other reprints.
Then we have Surging Sparks, a fairly recent set that was already sitting at around €242 per booster box in March 2025. This feels like an overvaluation, especially since it is not the strongest set of this generation. Want to judge for yourself what is in it? Take a look at the top 7 chase cards of Surging Sparks. If the reprint is big enough, this set could see a major correction.
Another important point is how collectors react to these reprints. Historically, there have been times when reprints did not have the desired effect. Pokémon 151, for example, remained highly priced despite being reprinted. This shows that it is not only availability but also demand for a product that determines its market value.
What does this mean for your collection?
When investing in sealed products, it is wise to keep a close eye on prices. Reprints often offer opportunities to enter at a lower price.
Do you collect single cards? Then it might be wise to wait a bit. As we saw with Crown Zenith, singles from reprinted sets can drop by 20-30%. Magikarp Illustration Rare from Paldea Evolved, for example, stood at around €256 in March 2025, which is actually too high a price given the pull rates and availability of the card.
It is also good to realise that sentiment around certain cards and sets can change. Fusion Strike was poorly received upon release, but is now one of the most popular sets from the Sword & Shield era. This means that what may not seem popular today could become a must-have in the future. That makes it difficult to predict which cards are a good investment, but it also offers opportunities for savvy collectors.
Conclusion
A reprint is neither a disaster nor a golden opportunity, it depends on the set. For sets where the hype has already faded, such as Obsidian Flames, the chance of a price drop is biggest and you can actually enter cheaply. For sets that run mostly on demand, such as Pokémon 151, little usually happens. Keep an eye on prices, wait a while before buying singles, and above all collect what you like yourself.
Please note: the value of cards can rise and fall. There is no guarantee of an increase in value. This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.
