Pokémon TCG Launch Faces Scalpers, Shortages Again

The latest Pokémon TCG expansion, Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals, has officially been revealed, sending waves of excitement—and frustration—through the TCG community. Released in full on March 24, the set is scheduled to launch globally on May 30, 2025. As one of the most anticipated releases in recent memory, Destined Rivals brings back a fan-favorite mechanic: Trainer’s Pokémon cards. Longtime players may fondly (or painfully) remember iconic cards like Brock’s Sandslash or Rocket’s Mewtwo—now, this nostalgic archetype returns with modern design and strategic depth, allowing players to integrate beloved Trainers directly into gameplay in innovative ways.

Adding to the allure, the set places Team Rocket at its core, spotlighting the infamous villainous faction from Pokémon’s original generation. With striking artwork, compelling lore, and high collectibility, Destined Rivals is shaping up to be a standout set—similar in hype to earlier 2025’s Prismatic Evolutions, which centered around Eevee and its evolutions. Given this momentum, demand has surged, and unfortunately, so have complications.

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

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When pre-orders went live, the Pokémon Center website quickly became overwhelmed. Fans attempting to secure the Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box (ETB)—a popular bundle that includes booster packs, accessories, and exclusive card sleeves—were met with slow load times, crashes, and virtual queues. Many were unable to complete purchases despite persistent efforts. As expected in today’s high-demand TCG climate, scalpers swiftly capitalized on the chaos. Within hours, listings for the $54.99 ETB began appearing on auction platforms like eBay, with prices skyrocketing into the hundreds of dollars—all for a confirmed pre-order, not even immediate stock.

The backlash has been palpable. Joe Merrick of Serebii shared his own hours-long struggle to secure a box, expressing broader disappointment with the current state 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.” His sentiment echoes across forums and social media, where collectors and players alike voice frustration over accessibility and fairness.

Unfortunately, this scenario is becoming all too familiar. Previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions faced similar shortages, and limited releases such as the Blooming Waters 151 box vanished almost instantly. Retailers frequently issue restock alerts, but availability remains inconsistent. In response to growing concerns, The Pokémon Company (TPC) has acknowledged the issue in a recent FAQ update, confirming via PokéBeach that additional inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be released later in the year. However, some customers have already reported cancellations of their pre-ordered ETBs, further fueling uncertainty.

While digital alternatives like Pokémon TCG Pocket offer a more accessible way to engage with the game, they don’t fully replace the tactile joy of opening physical packs or building a personal collection. For many, the inability to participate in new set drops—especially ones as thematically rich and exciting as Destined Rivals—undermines the core experience. A quick visit to any local game store often reveals empty shelves, a testament to the ongoing scarcity. As excitement continues to build, so does the hope for more equitable distribution solutions—so that fans, not just resellers, can enjoy the game they love.