The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has once again captivated fans with its latest expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals. This new set, which features the nostalgic return of Team Rocket and iconic Trainer Pokémon cards, is set to launch officially on May 30, 2025. Pre-orders commenced on March 24, 2025, but the excitement quickly turned into frustration for many fans.
The expansion merges cards from two Japanese sets, Heat Wave Arena and Glory of Team Rocket, into a massive 240-card collection. Players can align themselves with heroic duos like Ethan and Ho-Oh ex or embrace the villainous Team Rocket by teaming up with Giovanni's Mewtwo ex. The set boasts an impressive 83 Team Rocket-tagged cards and 17 Pokémon ex, along with many rare and visually striking gold-etched cards.
Fans rushed to secure their orders, and it was evident that demand was extremely high. As one enthusiastic player noted, "Players can choose their allegiance by joining forces with heroic duos like Ethan and Ho-Oh ex or they can embrace mischievous adventure by teaming up with Team Rocket and their Pokémon." However, the pre-order process soon turned chaotic. Many eager collectors faced significant hurdles, as the Pokémon Center website and major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Best Buy faced overwhelming traffic.
Social media lit up with frustrated fans recounting their attempts to order. Comments such as "That drop was a joke. Sat on the queue for hours" and "Anyone else finding it hard to be a Pokémon TCG Collector/Player nowadays?" highlighted the struggle. Online marketplaces were quickly filled with resold items, often at jaw-dropping mark-ups, causing legitimate collectors to feel disheartened.
While some fans managed to secure their pre-orders, many were booted from the digital queues—only to find their desired items listing for exorbitant prices on secondary markets. The sale of an Elite Trainer Box, which retails for £55, skyrocketed to listings as high as £1,000, showcasing how scalpers have seized the moment to profit enormously. As one frustrated collector put it, "Something must change; we can’t let scalpers dictate what genuine fans pay." This rampant scalping has left many feeling powerless.
Amidst the backlash and disappointment, there remain bright spots for the Pokémon community. The Pokémon Company has organized prerelease events starting May 17, 2025, where collectors can participate in tournaments and have early access to the cards. Additionally, digital gameplay will commence on May 29 via the Pokémon TCG Live app, allowing fans to get a glimpse of the new expansion without needing physical cards.
Despite the chaos in pre-ordering, some fans remain wildly enthusiastic about the release. Comments on social media reflected this excitement, such as "I'm already sweating bullets. It's gonna be a wild ride with this new set. Anyone else hyped?" Indicative of the enthusiasm that the expansion has stirred up, the community rallies around the nostalgia and innovative gameplay of Destined Rivals.
Addressing the ongoing scandal around scalpers, many long-time players advocate for tighter purchasing controls. Some suggest requiring accounts to purchase products, while others propose measures to mitigate bot activity, ensuring genuine players have fair access to pre-orders. One collector lamented, "There’s no real way that we can combat the problem. Pokémon could print on demand and crash the second-hand market with no detriment to its profits. But us, the players? We’re powerless."
As the anticipated release date approaches, the Pokémon TCG community faces a crucial moment: to reclaim the joy of collecting from the hands of opportunistic scalpers. Members are encouraged to embrace the hobby by digging into their new cards rather than turning a profit from them. A collector urged fellow fans, "If you managed to get your hands on a Destined Rivals ETB, crack it open. Tear into those packs. Enjoy your pulls, whether you get your favorite secret rare or a cool card you hadn’t noticed in the previews."
In the thick of challenges, the spirit of the Pokémon community shines through, making it clear that the enjoyment derived from playing and collecting is what truly matters. As the release of Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals looms ahead, players remain hopeful for an experience that reignites the very essence of the Pokémon TCG—fun, camaraderie, and, of course, a little nostalgic thrill.
