If you’ve been counting down the days to the new Pokémon TCG sets Black Bolt and White Flare — you’re not alone. These Unova-themed dual sets are dropping on June 6, 2025, and they’re packed with nostalgia, fresh artwork, and the full lineup of all 156 Unova Pokémon.
But… there’s a downside.
🧊 The Shortage Is Real
According to multiple sources (including PokeBeach), U.S. stores are getting very limited allocations — with some receiving no stock at all in the first wave.
Whether it's production delays, high demand, or just bad timing, this shortage is already causing concern. We’ve seen it before with sets like Prismatic Evolutions — inflated prices, reseller chaos, and collectors left empty-handed.
🤔 So... What Should You Do?
Here’s the real talk. As someone who’s both a store owner and a collector, I know how frustrating it is when everywhere is sold out. I’ve been there — refreshing websites, driving to five different stores, and still coming home empty-handed. It sucks.
So here’s how you can stay grounded and still enjoy the hobby:
💥 1. Expect Higher Prices (But Don’t Panic)
Limited supply means early listings will probably be marked up — a lot. But it never lasts. Prices settle once restocks hit and the hype wave cools down.
🔑 Tip: If you have to have sealed product early, pre-order from trusted stores that don’t charge until it ships. And if it’s already sold out? Don’t freak out — more is coming.
💡 2. Consider Buying Singles
Chasing sealed packs can be fun, but it’s also a gamble. Buying the singles you want after release is often cheaper, quicker, and less stressful.
🔑 Tip: Wait a few weeks post-release. Prices usually drop once inventory catches up.
⏳ 3. Patience = Power
The Pokémon Company International is already reprinting other hot sets and responding faster to demand than they used to. Black Bolt and White Flare will likely follow the same path.
🔑 Tip: Set restock alerts. Keep an eye on updates from your favorite shops. You won’t miss out forever.
💬 4. Support Shops That Respect the Hobby
Whether it’s your local card shop or an online store like Shop Complex, support the places that care about the community — not just profit.
🔑 Tip: We don’t do artificial scarcity or scalper pricing. Ever. We believe in fair access, honest prices, and being transparent with our customers — because we’re collectors too.
🚫 Don’t Buy into the FOMO
Seriously, this part matters.
When product gets scarce, it’s easy to fall into panic-buying mode. That’s exactly what scalpers count on — they want you to believe if you don’t grab it now, you’ll never see it again. But that’s not true.
Please don’t feed the FOMO.
Please don’t pay triple from a scalper just to get something a few weeks early.
Please don’t let hype ruin the fun of collecting.
More stock is coming. Prices will calm down. And no card — no matter how shiny — is worth losing your peace over.
❤️ Final Thoughts from Shop Complex
I created Shop Complex to be a place where collectors feel safe, informed, and excited — not taken advantage of. I know the frustration of trying to enjoy a hobby you love while competing with bots, resellers, and overpriced listings.
So we’re doing things the right way here. No markups. No games. Just cards, community, and a real love for collecting.
🛒 Shop-Complex.com
🎥 TikTok: @shop__complex
📺 YouTube: @ShopComplex
📘 Facebook: ShopComplexco
Need help? Want restock alerts? Or just wanna geek out over your favorite Unova Pokémon? Slide into our DMs anytime.
🔥 Until then — happy hunting, Trainers. And remember: the best pulls are worth waiting for.