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 live. For seasoned collectors, the launch might not come as a surprise, as it's been marked by the usual chaos of scalpers and store issues that often plague new releases.

Unveiled on March 24, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals is set to hit shelves on May 30, 2025. Several factors contribute to its high demand. Notably, it marks the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, a nostalgic feature for those who remember classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo. This return is a nod to fans who have been eagerly awaiting this archetype's comeback. Additionally, the set revolves around Team Rocket, the iconic villainous team from the first generation of Pokémon, adding to its allure. Much like the Prismatic Evolutions set with its Eevee-lutions earlier this year, 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 for the Pokémon Center's Elite Trainer Box (ETB) went live, frustration quickly mounted. Many eager fans found themselves unable to access the website, left waiting in long queues. Scalpers wasted no time, flooding online auction sites like eBay with listings of the ETB, often at exorbitant prices far above the usual $54.99. Joe Merrick of Serebii encapsulated the sentiment well, sharing his own hours-long wait in the queue 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 a recurring issue in the Pokémon TCG community. The Prismatic Evolutions set faced similar shortages, and the Blooming Waters 151 box sold out quickly. The Pokémon Company has responded by promising more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB later this year, according to their FAQ on PokéBeach.

Adding to the frustration, some buyers have reported their ETB orders being cancelled. The soaring demand and popularity of the Pokémon TCG are undeniable, but they're also overshadowing the joy of the hobby for those who simply want to open packs and play the game.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket provides a digital alternative to physical card scarcity, the struggle to acquire physical cards remains a significant frustration for many enthusiasts. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the difficulty of securing packs during these highly anticipated releases. Hopefully, solutions to these persistent issues will emerge soon.