Pokémon TCG Launch Faces Scalping, Shortages, and Outages Again

The latest Pokémon TCG set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, has been fully unveiled and pre-orders are already in full swing. If you're a seasoned collector, you won't be shocked to hear that the launch has been tumultuous, with scalpers and store issues complicating the release of this eagerly awaited set.

Revealed on March 24, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals is set to hit the shelves starting May 30, 2025. Several factors contribute to its high demand. Firstly, it brings back Trainer's Pokémon cards, a nostalgic favorite for those who remember classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards beautifully integrate beloved Trainers with their Pokémon. Additionally, the set revolves around Team Rocket, the iconic villainous team from the first generation of Pokémon games, making it a must-have similar to the popular Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year, which focused on Eevee evolutions.

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

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When pre-orders opened, frustration was inevitable. Many fans trying to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB) from the Pokémon Center website found themselves locked out. These boxes, which come with packs and other goodies, are a popular choice for those eager to dive into a new set.

As expected, scalpers quickly flooded online marketplaces like eBay with listings for the ETBs, with prices soaring to several hundred dollars for boxes that typically retail at $54.99. These listings were for pre-orders of the Pokémon Center-specific ETB. Joe Merrick from Serebii expressed his dismay, highlighting his own experience of waiting hours in a queue to purchase a Destined Rivals ETB.

"I truly hate this," Merrick wrote. "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. Sets like Prismatic Evolutions and the Blooming Waters 151 box experienced similar issues with shortages and rapid sell-outs. The Pokémon Company has already announced, according to PokéBeach, that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later this year.

Adding to the scalping problem, some customers have reported their ETB orders being canceled. The soaring demand and popularity of the Pokémon TCG seem to be overshadowing the joy of the hobby for those simply wanting to enjoy opening packs or playing matches.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket provides a virtual alternative to these physical shortages, it's understandably frustrating for fans who prefer the traditional experience. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reflect the difficulty of securing packs during these exciting releases. Hopefully, solutions to these issues will emerge soon to restore the joy of collecting and playing Pokémon TCG.