Pokémon TCG Launch Marred by Scalpers, Shortages, and Outages

The latest Pokémon TCG set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is set to launch starting May 30, 2025. If you've been a collector for a while, the launch window won't surprise you—it's been as chaotic as ever, with scalpers and store issues already causing headaches for fans eager to get their hands on this highly anticipated set.

What makes Destined Rivals so sought-after? For starters, it marks the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, a nostalgic nod to classics like Brock's Sandslash and Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards beautifully integrate beloved Trainers into the game. Additionally, the set centers around Team Rocket, the iconic villainous team from the first generation of Pokémon games. Much like the popular Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year, Destined Rivals is poised to be a fan favorite.

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

6 Images

When pre-orders went live, frustration was inevitable. Fans trying to purchase the Pokémon Center-exclusive Elite Trainer Box (ETB) found themselves stuck in long queues, often unable to secure their orders. Scalpers didn't waste any time, listing these ETBs on eBay for several hundred dollars, far above their usual $54.99 price tag. Joe Merrick from Serebii expressed his dismay at the situation, highlighting the shift of the Pokémon TCG toward a financial investment rather than a hobby.

This issue isn't new; previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and the Blooming Waters 151 box faced similar shortages. The Pokémon Company (TPC) has already announced via a FAQ on PokéBeach that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later this year, offering some hope to fans. Yet, even as they navigate scalper issues, some buyers are reporting cancellations of their ETB orders, further marring the hobby for those simply looking to enjoy the game.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket provides a virtual alternative to physical scarcity, the frustration for collectors and players remains. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the difficulty of finding packs. It's especially frustrating given the excitement surrounding these new releases. Hopefully, solutions will emerge soon to alleviate these ongoing issues and restore the joy of the hobby for everyone involved.