Pokémon TCG Launch Faces Scalpers, 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 surprised to hear that the launch has been quite tumultuous, with scalpers and store issues already causing chaos for this highly anticipated set.

Unveiled on March 24, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals is slated to hit the shelves on May 30, 2025. Several factors contribute to the high demand for this set. Firstly, it brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon cards. If you're old enough to remember classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo, you'll appreciate the nostalgia this returning archetype brings. These cards creatively tie iconic Trainers to their Pokémon, adding a special touch to the game. Furthermore, Destined Rivals centers around Team Rocket, the iconic villainous faction from the first generation of Pokémon games, making it reminiscent of popular sets like Prismatic Evolutions with its Eevee-lutions earlier this year.

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

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When pre-orders opened, the expected frustration quickly escalated. Fans attempting to purchase the Elite Trainer Box (ETB) from the Pokémon Center website found themselves stuck in long queues. The ETB, a popular choice for collectors looking to dive into a new set, became an instant target for scalpers. Listings on platforms like eBay appeared almost immediately, with prices soaring to several hundred dollars for what typically retails at $54.99. Joe Merrick from Serebii encapsulated the sentiment well, sharing his own ordeal of waiting hours in line to secure 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."

Unfortunately, this is becoming all too familiar. The Prismatic Evolutions set faced similar shortages, and the Blooming Waters 151 box sold out quickly. Retailers often notify fans when sets are restocked, and The Pokémon Company (TPC) has already announced via a FAQ on PokéBeach that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later in the year.

Adding to the frustration, some buyers are reporting that their ETB orders are being cancelled. The demand for Pokémon TCG products is soaring, yet it's tarnishing the experience for those who simply want to enjoy the hobby by opening packs or playing matches.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to the physical card shortages, it's understandable that fans are frustrated when trying to engage with the physical aspect of the hobby. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely illustrate the difficulty of finding packs right now. It's particularly disappointing when the releases are as exciting as Destined Rivals. Here's hoping for some swift solutions to these ongoing issues.