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 now underway. If you're a seasoned collector, you won't be surprised to hear that the launch window has been quite tumultuous, with scalpers and store issues already affecting the new set.

Unveiled on March 24, *Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals* is set to launch on May 30, 2025. Several factors make this set highly sought-after. Firstly, it marks the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, a beloved archetype from the past. Fans who remember classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo will appreciate the nostalgia and excitement of these returning cards. These cards are a unique way to integrate beloved Trainers into the Pokémon card universe. Additionally, the set is centered around Team Rocket, the iconic antagonist group from Pokémon's first generation. Much like the earlier Prismatic Evolutions set with its Eevee-lutions, *Destined Rivals* promises to be a fan-favorite.

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

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When pre-orders went live, frustration quickly mounted. Many fans attempting to purchase the Pokémon Center-exclusive Elite Trainer Box (ETB) were left unable to access the website. The ETB, a popular choice for those looking to delve into a new set, became a focal point of the chaos. As expected, scalpers capitalized on the situation, listing pre-orders on sites like eBay at exorbitant prices, with some listings reaching several hundred dollars for a box that typically retails at $54.99. Joe Merrick of Serebii 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."

Unfortunately, this is a recurring issue. Previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and the Blooming Waters 151 box also faced rapid sell-outs and shortages. The Pokémon Company has acknowledged the high demand and announced that more inventory of the *Destined Rivals* ETB will be available later this year. However, alongside scalper issues, some buyers are reporting that their ETB orders are being cancelled, further exacerbating the frustration for those simply looking to enjoy the hobby.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to the physical card scarcity, the challenges remain for enthusiasts who prefer the tactile experience of the game. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the difficulty of finding packs in stock. These issues are particularly frustrating given the excitement surrounding the new releases. Hopefully, solutions will be implemented soon to alleviate these problems and restore the joy of collecting and playing the Pokémon TCG.