3x or 4x MSRP?! Are Pokémon Prices Fair or Inflated?

The Pokémon TCG market has never been more volatile.

With sets like Prismatic Evolutions and upcoming releases like Glory of Team Rocket, the demand for Pokémon cards continues to soar. But with that demand comes frustration. Sealed products are frequently resold for three to four times MSRP, leaving collectors wondering: 

Are these prices justified, or is this just unchecked scalping?

The MSRP Debate: Does It Even Matter?

MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) exists as a guideline, but in Pokémon TCG, it rarely reflects actual market conditions. 

The secondary market dictates prices, often far exceeding what The Pokémon Company originally intended. Retailers, distributors, and scalpers all play a part in driving up costs, and collectors are left scrambling for options.

For example, the Elite Trainer Box (ETB) for Prismatic Evolutions has an MSRP of around $60, yet many stores and resellers are flipping them for $230 or more. The same trend was seen with Evolving Skies, where single booster packs were being sold for $40+

Who’s Really Driving Up Prices?

1. Scalpers & Resellers

• Many blame scalpers for clearing out local inventory and flipping products for massive profits.
• Some stores are allegedly canceling pre-orders only to resell their stock at a markup, further frustrating collectors.

2. Distributors & Retailers

• Some Local Game Stores (LGS) claim they are forced to buy at a premium from distributors, who control supply.
• Others argue that stores artificially inflate prices knowing that desperate collectors will pay.

3. Collectors & Demand

• The Pokémon market is fueled by demand. If people refuse to buy at inflated prices, scalping becomes unprofitable.
• However, many collectors chase the hype, especially for sets with sought-after Eeveelutions, Charizards, and waifu cards.

Can Prices Be Stopped from Rising?

Some collectors are pushing back, refusing to buy at scalped prices in hopes of stabilizing the market. Others argue that increasing supply is the only real solution, since scalping thrives when demand exceeds stock.

The Future of the Pokemon Market

Many are wondering: is the Pokémon market broken, or is this just the reality of high-demand collectibles?

The real question is: will The Pokémon Company ever print enough to meet demand, or will fans always be fighting to pay a fair price?