The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is set to launch on May 30, 2025. As with many highly anticipated releases, the pre-order phase has been tumultuous, with scalpers and website issues causing significant frustration among collectors.
This set stands out for several reasons. It brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon cards, reminiscent of classics like Brock's Sandslash and Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards uniquely blend iconic Trainers with their Pokémon companions, adding a nostalgic touch that appeals to long-time fans. Additionally, Destined Rivals focuses on Team Rocket, the infamous villainous team from the first generation of Pokémon games, further fueling excitement and demand.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box Images
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When pre-orders opened, the Pokémon Center website struggled to handle the influx of eager buyers. Many fans found themselves unable to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a popular choice for those wanting to dive into a new set with additional accessories. Scalpers quickly capitalized on the situation, listing pre-orders on eBay for hundreds of dollars above the usual $54.99 price tag.
Joe Merrick from Serebii expressed his frustration with the situation, highlighting the shift in the Pokémon TCG community from a hobby to a financial investment. "I truly hate this," Merrick wrote. "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 is not unique to Destined Rivals. Previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 also faced similar issues with shortages and rapid sell-outs. The Pokémon Company has acknowledged the demand and stated that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later in the year, according to a FAQ on PokéBeach.
Beyond scalping, some customers have reported their ETB orders being cancelled, adding to the overall dissatisfaction. The high demand for Pokémon TCG products continues to challenge the hobby, making it difficult for enthusiasts to simply enjoy opening packs and playing the game.
While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to mitigate physical scarcity, the frustration remains for those who prefer the tangible experience of collecting and playing with physical cards. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the ongoing struggle to obtain new packs. As exciting as these releases are, it's hoped that solutions will be found to ease these challenges for fans.
