Pokémon TCG Launch Faces Scalping, Shortages, and Outages Again

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) set, *Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals*, has been fully unveiled and pre-orders are now live, sparking excitement among collectors. However, the launch has been tumultuous, with reports of scalping and store issues complicating the process for fans.

Officially revealed on March 24, *Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals* is slated to hit the shelves starting May 30, 2025. This set is highly anticipated for several reasons. Notably, it brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon cards, reminiscent of classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards creatively integrate iconic Trainers into the game, adding a nostalgic touch for long-time fans. Moreover, the set centers around Team Rocket, the notorious antagonists from the first generation of Pokémon games, further fueling interest akin to the popular *Prismatic Evolutions* set featuring Eevee evolutions earlier this year.

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

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When pre-orders opened, the Pokémon Center website was overwhelmed, leaving many fans unable to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a popular choice for those eager to dive into the new set. Scalpers quickly capitalized on the situation, listing pre-orders of the Pokémon Center-specific ETB on eBay for several hundred dollars, far above the usual $54.99 price tag. Joe Merrick of Serebii expressed his frustration, highlighting the shift of the Pokémon TCG towards a financial investment rather than a hobby.

This scenario is unfortunately familiar. Previous sets like *Prismatic Evolutions* and *Blooming Waters 151* also faced similar shortages and rapid sell-outs. The Pokémon Company has announced that more inventory of the *Destined Rivals* ETB will be available later this year, according to a FAQ on PokéBeach. Despite these assurances, some fans have reported their ETB orders being cancelled, adding to the frustration.

The high demand and popularity of the Pokémon TCG are evident, yet the issues with scalping and scarcity are overshadowing the joy of the hobby for many. While *Pokémon TCG Pocket* offers a digital alternative, the struggle to obtain physical cards remains a significant challenge. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the difficulty in finding packs, especially for such eagerly awaited releases. Hopefully, solutions to these ongoing issues will emerge soon, allowing fans to enjoy the game without the added stress.