Pokémon TCG Launch Faces Familiar Problems: Scalping, Shortages, Outages

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) set, *Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals*, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is set to launch starting May 30, 2025. This set has sparked significant interest among collectors and players alike, not just for its content, but also due to the chaotic pre-order phase marred by scalpers and store issues.

What makes *Destined Rivals* particularly exciting is the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards. These cards, reminiscent of classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo, offer a nostalgic yet innovative way to incorporate beloved Trainers into the gameplay. Moreover, the set's focus on Team Rocket, the iconic villainous team from Pokémon's first generation, adds another layer of appeal, much like the popular Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year with its Eevee-lutions.

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

6 Images

When pre-orders for the Elite Trainer Box (ETB) went live, the Pokémon Center website struggled to cope with the demand, leaving many fans unable to secure their desired products. The ETB, a popular choice for those looking to dive into a new set with a themed box of packs and accessories, quickly became a target for scalpers. Listings on eBay emerged, with some pre-orders of the typically $54.99 box reaching several hundred dollars.

Joe Merrick of Serebii expressed his frustration over the situation, highlighting the shift of the Pokémon TCG from a hobby to a financial investment. "I truly hate this," Merrick stated. "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 scenario is not unique to *Destined Rivals*. Sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 also faced similar issues with shortages and rapid sell-outs. The Pokémon Company has acknowledged the high demand and, according to PokéBeach, has promised additional inventory of the *Destined Rivals* ETB later in the year.

Adding to the frustration, some buyers have reported that their ETB orders have been cancelled. The overwhelming demand for the Pokémon TCG is evident, yet it's impacting the enjoyment of the hobby for many who simply want to enjoy opening packs or playing matches.

While *Pokémon TCG Pocket* offers a digital alternative to mitigate physical scarcity issues, the challenges faced by fans of the physical game are palpable. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely illustrate the difficulty in obtaining these packs. These exciting set releases should be a time of celebration, but the current situation leaves much to be desired. Hopefully, solutions will be implemented soon to alleviate these ongoing issues.