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. If you're a seasoned collector, you won't be surprised by the chaotic launch, with scalpers and store issues already causing headaches for fans eager to get their hands on this new set.

Unveiled on March 24, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals is set to officially launch on May 30, 2025. This set is highly anticipated for a few reasons. It marks the exciting return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, a nostalgic nod to classics like Brock's Sandslash and Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards are a fantastic way to integrate beloved Trainers directly into the Pokémon card game. Moreover, Destined Rivals is heavily themed around Team Rocket, the iconic villainous team from the first generation of Pokémon games. Much like the Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year, which focused on Eevee evolutions, Destined Rivals is poised to become 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 Elite Trainer Box (ETB) went live, it was no shock that chaos ensued. Fans trying to access the Pokémon Center website to purchase these coveted boxes—filled with card packs and other goodies—were met with frustration and long wait times. As expected, scalpers quickly listed their ETB pre-orders on sites like eBay, with prices soaring to several hundred dollars for what typically retails at $54.99. Joe Merrick of Serebii expressed his disappointment, highlighting how the focus on financial gain has overshadowed the joy of the hobby.

"I truly hate this," Merrick wrote. "The way almost all Pokémon 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. Sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 also faced similar shortages and rapid sell-outs. The Pokémon Company has announced via an FAQ on PokéBeach that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later this year, offering some hope to fans. However, some purchasers are already reporting that their ETB orders are being cancelled, adding to the frustration.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket provides a digital alternative to the physical card scarcity, many fans still yearn for the tangible experience of opening packs and playing with physical cards. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the current struggle to find these sets in stock. It's particularly disheartening given the excitement around these releases. Here's hoping for swift solutions to these ongoing issues.