Pokémon TCG Launch Faces Scalping, Shortages, and Outages Again

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is scheduled to hit the shelves starting May 30, 2025. As pre-orders kicked off, the launch has been anything but smooth, with scalpers and store issues creating a chaotic environment for eager collectors.

This set is particularly coveted for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it brings back the Trainer's Pokémon cards, a beloved feature from the past that connects iconic Trainers with their Pokémon. Think of classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo; this nostalgic return is a big draw for long-time fans. Secondly, Destined Rivals revolves around Team Rocket, the infamous villainous team from the first generation of Pokémon games, adding to its allure. Similar to the popular Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year, which focused on Eevee-lutions, Destined Rivals is poised to be a fan-favorite.

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

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When pre-orders opened, the Pokémon Center website was overwhelmed, leaving many fans unable to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a popular choice for those eager to dive into the new set. Scalpers quickly took advantage of the situation, listing pre-orders of the Pokémon Center-specific ETB on eBay for several hundred dollars, far above the usual $54.99 price tag. Joe Merrick of Serebii expressed his frustration, highlighting the shift of the Pokémon TCG towards a financial investment rather than a hobby.

This issue isn't new; 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. However, even with this assurance, some fans are reporting that their ETB orders are being cancelled, adding to the frustration.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to the physical card scarcity, the situation remains disheartening for those who simply want to enjoy the hobby. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the difficulty in finding packs. These exciting releases are unfortunately overshadowed by the challenges of obtaining them. Hopefully, solutions will be implemented soon to ease the strain on fans and collectors alike.