Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Launch Ran Into the Same Old Issues, With Scalpers, Shortages, and Outages

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24, with pre-orders kicking off and an official launch date set for May 30, 2025. As expected, the launch has been tumultuous, with scalpers and website issues causing significant disruption for eager collectors.

Destined Rivals stands out for several compelling reasons. It brings back the much-loved Trainer's Pokémon cards, reminiscent of classics like Brock's Sandslash and Rocket's Mewtwo, which adds a nostalgic element for long-time fans. Additionally, the set focuses on Team Rocket, the iconic villainous team from the first generation of Pokémon games, making it a highly anticipated release akin to the earlier Prismatic Evolutions set that celebrated Eevee's evolutions.

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

6 Images

The excitement around the set translated into chaos when pre-orders opened. Fans attempting to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB) from the Pokémon Center website found themselves struggling to get through, while scalpers quickly listed pre-orders on eBay for exorbitant prices, far above the usual $54.99 price tag. Joe Merrick from Serebii expressed his frustration, highlighting the shift of the Pokémon TCG towards a financial investment rather than a hobby, lamenting the prevalence of scalping and flipping.

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 situation, promising more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB later in the year. However, some fans are reporting cancellations of their orders, adding to the frustration.

While the Pokémon TCG Pocket app offers a digital alternative to these physical scarcity issues, many enthusiasts still crave the traditional experience of opening packs and playing with physical cards. Visiting local stores can often reveal the extent of the current difficulties in securing new releases. As exciting as these drops are, the community hopes for solutions to these ongoing challenges.