Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Aug 19, 2025 - 11:00
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Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets
Single Pokémon cards from Prismatic Evolutions and Black Bolt / White Flare with a Destined Rivals ETB and Black Bolt Binder Collection in the background

Pokémon TCG is as hot as ever in 2025, which means finding cards at a fair price can feel like a literal boss battle. Between Scarlet & Violet’s split sets Black Bolt and Pokémon TCG White Flare, Destined Rivals selling out instantly, and Mega Evolution hyped up preorders, price spikes and stock issues make product hard to find at a reasonable price.

The good news? With the right retailers and some market know-how, you can still grab sealed product, singles, and chase cards without paying the scalper tax. Below you’ll find the best deals currently available from trusted U.S. retailers, plus get tips on where to shop for singles and how to plan for upcoming set drops.

Quick links: Best deals right now

Black Bolt Binder Collection and Destined Rivals ETB on a blue patterned background
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025

TCGPlayer logo on a blue patterned background
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Best retailers for sealed product

  • TCGplayer — Best for price tracking and finding deals from multiple sellers. Perfect if you’re after specific sets or want to compare the market before buying.

  • Amazon — Huge selection and fast shipping, but pricing can be volatile. Always check against MSRP.

  • Walmart — Frequent restocks both online and in-store, often at or near MSRP.

  • Best Buy — Strong online preorder drops with order limits to deter scalpers.

  • Target — Good in-store stock control; RedCard holders sometimes get early access online.

  • Sam’s Club — Bundle deals for members; stock comes in waves.

Tips for avoiding overpaying

  • Know MSRP before you buy (see chart below).

  • Set price alerts on TCGplayer.

  • Avoid FOMO — many sets restock within months.

  • Buy singles if you only want specific cards instead of gambling on pricey boosters.

Where to buy Pokémon TCG Singles in 2025

Umbreon ex SIR and Charizard GX SV49/SV94 on a blue patterned background
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
  • TCGplayer — Best marketplace for singles in the U.S.; accurate market prices and robust search tools.

  • eBay — Ideal for rare Japanese cards or older promos; check completed sales for fair pricing.

Market movers — August 2025

Big Crashers — Prices dropping (good for buyers)

Big Climbers — Prices rising (good for sellers)

Pro tip: Prices often dip 1-2 months post-release — perfect for grabbing high-end singles.

Pokémon TCG 2025 release schedule and MSRP guide

Mega Evolution Booster Box on a blue patterned background
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

I've listed new products releases at their MSRP price, which if you preorder with a retailer you can still get. Pokémon TCG has a very challenging market due to many factors, but it mostly comes down to print runs still not being enough to meet demand. So until the market is flooded with sealed product, you should use this pricing as a guideline to your own spending budgets only.

Jan. 17 — Prismatic Evolutions

Theme: Eevee and all eight evolutions, exclusive boxed sets (no standard booster packs).

Links: TCGPlayer, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target

  • Super-Premium Collection — $89.99

  • Elite Trainer Box — $59.99

  • Tech Sticker Collection — $14.99

  • Poster Collection — $14.99

  • Binder Collection — $29.99

March 28 — Journey Together

Theme: Return of Gym Heroes-style Trainer’s Pokémon cards. Smaller, more collectible set.

Links: TCGPlayer, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target

  • Elite Trainer Box — $59.99

  • Booster Box (36 packs) — $161.64

  • Booster Bundle — $26.94

  • Three Booster Blister — $14.99

  • Build & Battle Box — $19.99

  • Sleeved Booster — $4.49

May 30 — Destined Rivals

Theme: Team Rocket returns with villain-themed Pokémon, top-tier art.

Links: TCGPlayer, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target

  • Elite Trainer Box — $59.99

  • Booster Box (36 packs) — $161.14

  • 6-Pack Booster Bundle — $29.99

  • 3-Pack Booster Blister — $13.99

  • Sleeved Booster Pack — $5.30

July 18 — Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt & White Flare

Theme: Split expansion featuring 156 Unova Pokémon, each with illustration rare and special illustration rare variants.

Links: TCGPlayer, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target

  • Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box — $49.99

  • White Flare Elite Trainer Box — $49.99

  • Black Bolt Binder Collection — $31.99

  • White Flare Binder Collection — $47.99

  • Unova Poster Collection — $21.99

  • Unova Mini Tin — $16

Aug. 1 — Unova Tech Sticker Collection / Victini Illustration Collection

Theme: Collectible promos with accessories (stickers, posters, oversized cards).

Links: TCGPlayer, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target

  • Black Bolt Tech Sticker Collection — $15.99

  • White Flare Tech Sticker Collection — $15.99

  • Unova Victini Illustration Collection — $21.99

Aug. 22 — Black Bolt & White Flare Booster Bundles

Theme: Six boosters from either set in one box.

Links: TCGPlayer, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target

  • Black Bolt Booster Bundle — $26.99

  • White Flare Booster Bundle — $26.99

Sept. 26 — Mega Evolution (English release)

Theme: New era beyond Scarlet & Violet, starring Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex.

Links: TCGPlayer, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target

  • Elite Trainer Box — $49.99

  • Booster Bundle (six packs) — $26.94

  • Booster Box (36 packs) — $160.99

  • Sleeved Booster Pack — $4.49

  • 3-Pack Booster Bundle — $13.99

  • Mega Heroes Mini Tin — $9.99

Top value Pokémon cards — 2025 sets

Top Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon TCG Cards
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Black Bolt & White Flare

Destined Rivals

Journey Together

Prismatic Evolutions

Collecting strategy — 2025

Keep the following tips in mind when shopping for Pokémon cards in 2025:

  • Skip overpriced ETBs unless you collect boxes.

  • Buy singles when hype fades and prices drop 30–50%.

  • Grade standout SIR/IR cards now while they’re affordable.

  • Hunt under-the-radar promos before they disappear.

  • Be patient — most sets see restocks within months.

Outlook: Large print runs should cool scalper-driven shortages, but older sealed sets and iconic singles will still dominate long-term value.