As anticipation builds for the launch of the Pokémon TCG's latest set, Destined Rivals, fans are finding themselves increasingly frustrated as scalpers once again dominate the market. With an official release date set for May 30, 2025, pre-orders for the card set are already being canceled, forcing collectors to confront both the excitement of a nostalgic Team Rocket theme and the bitter reality of limited availability.
In recent days, it has become evident that scalping has marred the experience for many dedicated fans eager to support the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG). Reports reveal that pre-orders for the Destined Rivals expansion have been canceled without direct notification to customers, leaving collectors scrambling to verify the status of their orders. This troubling trend is further exacerbated by scalpers listing pre-ordered Elite Trainer Boxes for exorbitant prices on platforms like eBay, demonstrating how much demand outstrips supply.
Compounding the issue, GameStop discontinued pre-orders for Pokémon TCG products just a month before the release of Destined Rivals, claiming that their goal is to mitigate pre-order abuses and ensure that actual fans have better opportunities to purchase products in stores. According to a GameStop representative, the changes would allow fans more accessible chances to purchase new sets instead of witnessing products vanish into the hands of resellers. However, this adjustment has not alleviated frustrations among collectors.
In an effort to further combat scalpers, The Pokémon Company has implemented various strategies, including the use of TCG vending machines designed to provide fair opportunities for players. However, these measures have seen limited success—the immediate sellout of products upon reaching vendor machines shows just how aggressive the resale market remains, especially with scalpers eager to capitalize on high demand.
The Destined Rivals set features a nostalgic focus on Team Rocket, one of the most beloved antagonists from the Pokémon series. This will mark the first Team Rocket-themed TCG since 2004's EX Team Rocket Returns and is anticipated to feature a collection of 240 cards, including over 85 Trainer’s Pokémon and six hyper-rare gold-etched cards. Fourteen Pokémon ex, 23 illustration rare Pokémon, and 11 special illustration rare Pokémon cards are also on the roster, allowing players and collectors of all ages to relive some of their childhood favorites while also introducing new characters.
While excitement over the upcoming release grows, so too does concern about the impact of scalping on the community. Videos posted online show dedicated players lining up for hours, only to miss out as scalpers sweep in and grab all available stock. Community members discuss their ‘scalping fatigue’ on social media, leading to calls for The Pokémon Company to implement more significant barriers against resellers.
On platforms like Twitter, fans have begun to share their frustrations more openly, describing the experience as a disappointment. One user lamented, “I managed to get hold of Destined Rivals ETB but queued for 2 hours. I truly hate this. 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.” Such sentiments reflect the discontent many feel as Pokémon card collecting morphs increasingly into a marketplace driven by profit rather than passion.
In an effort to draw more players into Pokémon card collecting, The Pokémon Company has also launched Pokémon TCG Pocket, a digital alternative aimed at those who prefer a mobile card-gaming experience. While it has generated interest, the absence of physical cards makes it less appealing for many long-time fans, who cherish the tactile experience of unpacking physical cards and building their decks.
The busy landscape of scalping has even affected expectations for Pokémon TCG’s digital counterparts. The Pokémon TCG Live platform is expected to launch digital versions of the new cards just a day before their physical release on May 29, 2025, allowing online players to try out the latest strategies without having to deal with the constraints of physical stock. However, this move does not resolve the concern of how to make sure collectors can access their beloved hobby without interference from scalpers.
Despite these separate challenges, the ongoing popularity of Pokémon TCG remains evident. In response to the overwhelming demand, pre-release events are scheduled for select stores between May 17 and 25, while the official boosters are slated for general release on May 30. Still, this fervent enthusiasm is tempered by the specter of resellers, prompting many in the community to ask if genuine fans will ever have a chance to enjoy their favorite hobby without facing the acute challenge of predatory practices.
As the clock winds down to release day, collectors are urged to remain vigilant. Those who have pre-ordered should verify their order status regularly to avoid any surprises on release day. The Pokémon Company has not made any recent announcements regarding restocks, but fans remain hopeful that supply-chain issues may be alleviated as the launch date approaches, potentially leading to a more favorable environment for gamers and collectors alike.
In the end, while the upcoming Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals set promises a nostalgic return to Team Rocket’s glory days, the community is now faced with a critical question: can the joy of Pokémon card collecting flourish amidst the predatory nature of the resale market? Until that challenge is met, many may find themselves exploring alternative routes to immerse in the Pokémon world without the obstacle of scalping.
