The Pokémon TCG is buzzing with excitement this week as the release of Prismatic Evolutions, its first major set of 2025 in the west, draws near. Set to launch this Friday, this new collection has already sparked a significant stir within the community, with some cards already commanding astronomical prices on the pre-order market.
Prismatic Evolutions: Building on the Success of Surging Sparks
Prismatic Evolutions is not just another expansion; it is a special set that continues the momentum generated by the previous expansion, Surging Sparks. This set capitalizes on the widespread popularity of Eevee and its many evolutions, offering a collection of beautiful secret rare cards that fans are eager to collect.
The design of this set is reminiscent of the highly sought-after Evolving Skies set from 2021, known for its stunning full-art cards.
But there is a twist: Prismatic Evolutions is a special set, meaning collectors cannot simply purchase booster boxes or packs in the usual fashion. All products are sealed, further increasing the difficulty of pulling the rare chase cards. This unique packaging structure is already contributing to the high demand.
The Difficulty of Pulling the Chase Cards: A Boon for Secondary Market Sellers
A significant aspect of Prismatic Evolutions is the reported low hit rates, which make pulling chase cards even harder than usual. The Umbreon SIR (Special Illustration Rare) has emerged as the card that every collector is after, and this has caused a massive surge in secondary market activity.
The pre-order frenzy for the Umbreon SIR has already begun, and its price is skyrocketing. On platforms like eBay, the card has already sold for over $18,000, thanks to intense bidding wars involving over 100 participants. This has left many collectors stunned, as such high prices were previously unimaginable for a card from a new release.
Comparing Umbreon SIR Prices to Other Cards
The price tag on the Umbreon SIR from Prismatic Evolutions has raised some eyebrows, especially when compared to the Umbreon VMAX alternate art card from Evolving Skies, which currently fetches around $3,000 in PSA 10 condition.
At this point, the Umbreon VMAX card from Evolving Skies is fetching a lower price than a raw Umbreon SIR from Prismatic Evolutions, highlighting just how quickly demand has outstripped expectations for the latter.
The Future of the Pokémon TCG: An Expensive Year for Collectors
With Prismatic Evolutions generating such a buzz and driving up prices, the future of the Pokémon TCG looks increasingly expensive for collectors. The Pikachu SAR (Special Art Rare) from Surging Sparks has already reignited interest in the hobby, and the upcoming Journey Together set, expected in March, promises to continue this trend.
The return of Owner’s Pokémon in Journey Together is expected to spark another wave of excitement, meaning 2025 will be a year of rising prices and increased competition among collectors.
Key Takeaways from Prismatic Evolutions’ Market Impact
- Prismatic Evolutions has set a new benchmark for high prices, especially with cards like the Umbreon SIR fetching upwards of $18,000.
- The set has proven to be a collector’s paradise, with Eevee and its evolutions taking center stage through secret rare and special illustration cards.
- The low hit rates have created a booming secondary market, where collectors are scrambling to secure their desired cards before prices climb even higher.
- Prismatic Evolutions marks the beginning of an expensive year for Pokémon TCG collectors, with more anticipation building for future releases like Journey Together.
Umbreon ex SIR has blown away my expectations
byu/JersenPyro inPokemonTCG
Final Toughts
For collectors looking to dive into Prismatic Evolutions, be prepared for a steep climb in prices, especially for cards like the Umbreon SIR. As demand continues to surge, the secondary market will likely remain the primary source for acquiring the most coveted cards.
It is a thrilling time for Pokémon enthusiasts, but also one that requires careful planning for those hoping to add the rarest of cards to their collections.
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