Pokémon TCG Launch Faces Familiar Challenges: Scalpers, Shortages, Outages

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, has been fully unveiled and pre-orders have already begun. If you're a seasoned collector, you won't be shocked to hear that the launch has been turbulent, with scalpers and website issues causing chaos for fans eager to get their hands on the new set.

Revealed on March 24, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals is scheduled to hit the shelves on May 30, 2025. Several elements contribute to its high demand. Notably, it brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon cards, a nostalgic feature for long-time fans who fondly remember cards like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards cleverly integrate iconic Trainers with their Pokémon, adding a special charm to the game. Moreover, the set focuses on Team Rocket, the notorious villainous group from the first generation of Pokémon, which adds another layer of excitement. Much like the earlier Prismatic Evolutions set with its Eevee evolutions, Destined Rivals is poised to be a fan-favorite.

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

6 Images

As pre-orders commenced, the Pokémon Center website was overwhelmed, leaving many fans unable to purchase the highly sought-after Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a popular choice for those eager to dive into the new set. It's no surprise that scalpers swiftly listed these ETBs on platforms like eBay at inflated prices, with listings reaching several hundred dollars for what typically retails at $54.99. Joe Merrick of Serebii, who waited hours in queue only to face the same issues, expressed his frustration, stating, "I truly hate this. 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."

Sadly, this is becoming a familiar pattern. Previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 also experienced rapid sell-outs and shortages. The Pokémon Company (TPC) has acknowledged the situation, noting in an FAQ on PokéBeach that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later in the year. However, alongside scalping issues, some fans are reporting cancellations of their ETB orders, highlighting the intense demand and the challenges it poses to the hobby.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to alleviate the issues of physical scarcity, many enthusiasts still crave the tactile experience of opening packs and playing with physical cards. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reflect the difficulty of finding packs amidst this high demand. It's doubly frustrating when these releases are particularly exciting. Hopefully, solutions to these problems will be forthcoming, allowing fans to enjoy the hobby without the added stress of scalping and shortages.