Pokémon TCG Launch Faces Scalping, Shortages, and Outages Again

The Pokémon TCG’s latest expansion, Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals, has officially been revealed in full, and pre-orders are already live. However, as many collectors may expect, the rollout hasn’t gone entirely smoothly—scalper activity and site instability have reportedly caused issues for eager fans hoping to get their hands on the new set.

Revealed in full on March 24, Destined Rivals is scheduled to launch globally starting May 30, 2025. This release comes with several exciting elements that make it one of the most anticipated sets of the year. Notably, it brings back Trainer's Pokémon cards—a nostalgic fan-favorite mechanic reminiscent of classic cards like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo.

These cards offer a unique way to integrate iconic Trainers directly into gameplay, enhancing both the storytelling and strategic depth of the game. In addition, Destined Rivals places a strong focus on Team Rocket, paying homage to the original generation’s infamous villainous team. Much like earlier sets such as Prismatic Evolutions, which spotlighted Eevee and its evolutions, Destined Rivals is shaping up to be a standout release for collectors and players alike.

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

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As soon as pre-orders opened, frustrations began to mount. Fans attempting to purchase the Pokémon Center-exclusive Elite Trainer Box (ETB) were met with login failures, long queue times, and general site instability. Meanwhile, scalpers wasted no time listing ETBs on auction platforms like eBay at inflated prices—some going for hundreds of dollars over the standard $54.99 retail cost.

Joe Merrick from Serebii voiced what many fans are feeling after spending hours waiting in line just to secure a pre-order.

"I truly hate this," Merrick said. "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 scenario isn't new. Similar issues occurred during the releases of Prismatic Evolutions and the Blooming Waters 151 box, where availability was limited and demand high. Retailers often announce restocks via social media and community channels, so staying updated might help those still hoping to secure a copy.

Adding to the frustration, some customers have reported receiving cancellation notices for previously confirmed ETB orders. While The Pokémon Company International has acknowledged these concerns and stated that more Destined Rivals ETB stock will arrive later this year, the current state of the hobby remains challenging for many.

While digital alternatives like Pokémon TCG Pocket provide a virtual escape from the chaos of physical card scarcity, many players still prefer the tactile experience of real-world collecting and battling. A trip to your local game store likely confirms the ongoing scarcity issues—empty shelves and sold-out displays are becoming the norm.

Let’s hope for better distribution solutions and fair access moving forward, so the joy of collecting can remain accessible to all fans—not just investors or those willing to pay inflated prices.