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 anything but smooth, with scalpers and store issues creating a chaotic environment around the new set.

Unveiled on March 24, the set is slated to launch starting May 30, 2025. Several factors contribute to its high demand. One notable feature is the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, a nod to classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards offer a unique way to blend beloved Trainers with the Pokémon themselves, sparking excitement among veteran players. Additionally, *Destined Rivals* focuses on Team Rocket, the iconic villainous team from the first generation of Pokémon games. Much like the earlier Prismatic Evolutions set with its 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, frustration was inevitable. Many fans trying to access the Pokémon Center website to purchase an Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a popular choice for diving into a new set, found themselves unable to get through. And, as expected, scalpers quickly flooded online auctions like eBay with their ETB pre-orders, listing them at several hundred dollars, far above the usual $54.99 price tag. Joe Merrick of Serebii shared his own experience of waiting hours in a queue just to secure a *Destined Rivals* ETB, expressing his disgust at the financialization of the Pokémon TCG.

This situation is unfortunately not new. Sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 have faced similar shortages and rapid sell-outs. The Pokémon Company has already announced that more inventory of the *Destined Rivals* ETB will be available later this year, according to a FAQ on PokéBeach. Yet, even beyond scalping issues, some buyers are reporting their ETB orders being cancelled, highlighting the intense demand and popularity that's overshadowing the hobby for many fans.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket provides a digital alternative to physical card scarcity, the frustration for those wanting to engage in the traditional hobby remains palpable. A visit to your local store's card aisle might reveal the struggle of trying to snag some packs. It's particularly frustrating when these releases are so eagerly anticipated. Hopefully, solutions to these issues will emerge soon.