Pokémon TCG Launch Plagued by Scalpers, Shortages

The latest Pokémon TCG set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is set to launch on May 30, 2025. As pre-orders commenced, the launch window has been marred by the usual suspects: scalpers and store issues, making it a challenging time for dedicated collectors.

Destined Rivals is drawing significant attention for several reasons. It marks the exciting return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, reminiscent of classics like Brock's Sandslash and Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards effectively weave beloved Trainers into the Pokémon universe in a unique and appealing way. Moreover, the set centers around Team Rocket, the iconic villainous team from the first generation of Pokémon, promising to captivate fans much like the earlier Prismatic Evolutions set did with its focus on Eevee evolutions.

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

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The frenzy around pre-orders was palpable, with many enthusiasts struggling to access the Pokémon Center website to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB). These themed boxes, typically priced at $54.99, quickly appeared on online auction sites like eBay at inflated prices of several hundred dollars, reflecting the immediate scalping activity. Joe Merrick from Serebii expressed his frustration with the situation, highlighting how the focus on financial gain is overshadowing the joy of the hobby itself.

This scenario is unfortunately familiar, echoing the experiences with previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151. The Pokémon Company has acknowledged the issue, indicating that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later in the year, according to a FAQ reported by PokéBeach. Despite these efforts, some buyers have reported cancellations of their ETB orders, adding to the overall frustration.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to the physical card scarcity, the struggle to enjoy the traditional aspect of the hobby remains. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely illustrate the difficulty in obtaining packs. These challenges are particularly disheartening given the excitement surrounding the Destined Rivals set. Hopefully, solutions will emerge soon to help alleviate these issues for collectors and players alike.