Pokémon TCG Launch Faces Scalping, Shortages, and Outages

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is set to launch starting on May 30, 2025. If you're a seasoned collector, you might not be surprised to hear that the launch window has been quite chaotic, with scalpers and store issues already reported to be affecting the new set.

Several factors contribute to the high demand for Destined Rivals. Notably, it marks the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, a beloved archetype from the vintage era, such as Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards are a fantastic way to integrate iconic Trainers into the Pokémon card universe. Additionally, the set centers around Team Rocket, the notorious villainous faction from the first generation of Pokémon games. Much like the earlier Prismatic Evolutions set with its Eevee-lutions, Destined Rivals is poised to become a highly sought-after collection.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box Images

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When pre-orders for the set went live, the expected frustration quickly set in. Fans attempting to purchase the Elite Trainer Box (ETB) from the Pokémon Center website found themselves unable to access the site. The ETB, a popular choice for those eager to dive into a new set, typically retails for $54.99. However, scalpers were quick to list their pre-orders on online auction sites like eBay, with prices soaring into the hundreds of dollars.

Joe Merrick of Serebii expressed his frustration with the situation, highlighting the shift in the Pokémon TCG community towards financial speculation and flipping products for profit. "I truly hate this," Merrick wrote. "The way almost all Pokemon TCG content has shifted to financial. The way that people just treat it as investment. The way people just want to flip it. It's disgusting. Shame on all involved."

Unfortunately, this is a recurring issue within the Pokémon TCG community. Previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 also faced similar shortages and rapid sell-outs. The Pokémon Company has acknowledged the issue, stating in an FAQ (via PokéBeach) that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later in the year.

Adding to the frustration, some buyers have reported that their ETB orders are being cancelled. The overwhelming demand and popularity of the Pokémon TCG are evident, but they are also tarnishing the hobby for those who simply want to enjoy opening packs and playing the game.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to the physical card scarcity, the frustration for those who prefer the tangible experience is understandable. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely illustrate the difficulty in obtaining packs during these highly anticipated releases. Hopefully, solutions to these issues will emerge soon, allowing fans to fully enjoy the excitement of new sets like Destined Rivals.