Is Prism Evolution worth the hype?

Pokémon TCG: Crimson and Violet – Prism Evolution represents the culmination of Pokémon 2025's slow buildup. The set was so popular that pre-orders were sold out quickly. Stock is only now starting to return to shelves and online retailers. But despite these difficulties, it quickly became the ultimate crown jewel of the Scarlet and Violet Era, offering the fan-favorite Eevee and its special illustrated rare and ultra-rare Master Ball foils in jaw-dropping aspects of evolution.

Featuring over 200 cards, including powerful Pokémon like Roaring Moon ex and Pikachu ex, the set blends stunning artwork with competitive playability, making it a must-have for trainers and collectors . Increased draw rates for specially illustrated rare cards sweeten the deal, giving fans a better chance of drawing their dream cards even as demand is at an all-time high.

However, the new set is more than just beautiful cards, they also introduce exciting mechanics like Badu's game-changing Free Attack and double the rarity to keep pack openers excited. Looking to find the Eeveelution family, or fill your deck with tournament-ready favorites? Prismatic Evolutions offers something for everyone. This isn't just another expansion; this is a game that defined a generation of Pokémon TCG fans.

However, in my experience, the pull of Prismatic Evolution has been tough so far. Of course, this is different for everyone. And, on the one hand, that’s a good thing; Your SIR and others are more likely to retain value. On the other hand, 25 booster packs were not delivered. Let's take a look at some of the exciting new cards I managed to get, and then discuss some of the other exciting (and rare) new content the expansion brings to see if Prism Evolution is truly worth the hype.

Glaceon ex (Surprise Box Promotional Stamp) 026/131

Glaceon ex may end up being a sound playable card as it can build up enough damage on your opponent's bench to knock them out before they can do anything. The challenge with the Tera ex cards is to use multiple energies. However, it will be very interesting to see the Glaceon Tera ex deck in action.

Eevee Elite Coach Box Promotion 173

Due to its stunning complete artwork, this one is more likely to be in a trainer's binder than in their deck. It's still the standard Ebuka in the set, and trainers can evolve it immediately after using it. This really makes playing Eeveelution decks much easier.

Mera trainer SAR 140/131

Mera is a powerful training card that can be used at the right time. Trainers can draw fire energy from the discard pile while replenishing their hand with 6 cards, which will come in handy in the mid-to-late game. Again, this is a trainer binder and the usual Mela trainer cards are fairly easy to pull out.

Before Pikachu 028/131

Prismatic Evolutions also addresses the “Surging Sparks FOMO” issue with Pikachu's predecessor, even though it's not a Tera predecessor. Thanks to Thunder, this is a relatively simple basic forward with the potential to be knocked down in one hit in three turns. It's a high energy cost, but thanks to its one energy retreat cost, it's a lovely card to switch from building up on the bench.

Maximum Rod Ace Specification 116/131

This card can really turn a battle around. Imagine taking Tyranitar's predecessor down with its four energy cards, then using this Max Rod to restore it all and start rebuilding it from the bench. Possibly one of the most useful Ace Specs cards we've ever seen.

Espen ex 034/131

Espeon ex decks will be very difficult to fight as they can both be discarded from the opponent's hand and evolve all of the opponent's Pokémon, shuffling the evolution cards into their deck. This card can delay a fight and weaken your opponent, so imagine a deck built around four cards. Crazy.

Before the Tyrant 064/131

At first glance, Grind makes Tyranitar ex very playable. But that's a different story when I consider it to be a second stage evolution that comes with at least three power cards to stretch its legs. I like Terranita, but this front card isn't it, Chieftain.

My favorite Prism Evolution card

It's no secret that we all want the Eeveelution SIR card from Prismatic Evolutions. Still, if you see a bargain, there are some really cool overlooked pieces of art in this expansion that might be worth grabbing.

Dragapult ex SAR 165/131

Dragapult ex SAR 165/131 is one of my favorite pieces of art from the set, and I'd love to build a deck around Phantom Dive. The two energy drains cause a total of 260 points of damage, 60 of which can be spread to the opponent's bench. This is a crazy move; watch as the value of this card keeps going up as trainers want it in their decks.

Before Roaring Moon SIR 162/131

Another heavy hitter from SIR before Roaring Moon, with stunning artwork. The energy drain of its triple attack is brutal, but this basic Pokémon card can be the final blow in the heat of battle. Loading the deck with Stadium cards and building support around Roaring Moon Precursor sounds like a fun deck, that's for sure.

Umbreon ex-SIR 161/131

Finally, I doubt anyone would use over $1,200 worth of Umbreon ex SIR in their deck, but if you look at that psychological move, you'll definitely be tempted. Like Roaring Moon ex, this card has a chance to flip a Pokémon TCG battle with its two moves during the 11th hour. Yes, it requires three different types of energy. Still, there's some fun in building an Eeveelution deck around Umbreon ex.

So, all things considered, is Prism Evolution worth the hype? In short, yes. There are lots of great cards to add to your folder and many more to play with. Still, you'll be waiting for inventory to show up, but the timing is uncertain. Eeveelution-based sets are always cool, but the chance to draw one of the elusive Eeveelution SIRs is 1 in 900 booster packs.

There are also God Packs and Master Ball Cards added, which are very cool. Imagine having all the SIRs in one booster pack? The thing is, that's unlikely to happen, so buckle up and tear open the packaging and boxes.

Where to buy Pokémon TCG: Prism Evolution in 2025

Inventory for Pokémon TCG: Prismatic Evolutions has been hard to come by, and now things are starting to even out. Pokémon is once again at the height of its popularity, and with TCG Pocket, investors buying up stock, and a general increase in demand for sets like Surging Sparks, it's a crazy time to get into the hobby. and The Pokémon Company strives to replenish supplies as quickly as possiblePrismatic Evolutions also represents a turning point in buying shares online or in-store rather than resorting to questionable secondary markets.

The Prismatic Evolutions Series offers collectors and players a range of products, each celebrating the beloved Eeveelutions. At the top, the Elite Training Crate offers nine booster packs, exclusive full-art Eevee promotional items, and useful extras like sleeves, dice, and status tokens, perfect for anyone building their own collection or deck.

For a simpler option, the Surprise Box includes a few booster packs and random pre-Eeveelution promotional items with the Prismatic Evolutions seal, providing an affordable way to use the set. Likewise, the Mini Tin is a compact option that comes with two booster packs, a collectible Eevee coin and an art card, while also serving as a neat storage solution.

Collectors will love the binder series, which pairs four booster packs with a sturdy Eevee-themed binder for organizing rare cards like Master Ball foils or specially illustrated rare cards. The Tech Sticker Collection adds a playful touch with Eevee stickers and two booster packs, perfect for younger fans or casual fun.

Finally, the Poster Series combines display-worthy content with collectibility, including three booster packs, a fold-out Eevee poster, and exclusive holographic trailers for Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon. Each product highlights the magic of the Prismatic Evolutions set, offering something for Pokémon fans of all kinds, whether you're chasing rare cards, organizing your collection, or just enjoying the Eevee hype.

Christian Wait is a freelance writer for IGN covering all things collectibles and trade. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the gaming and technology industries and has bylines in Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also creates hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of the Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.