Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Launch Plagued by Scalpers, Shortages, and Outages

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24, with pre-orders now available ahead of its official launch on May 30, 2025. For seasoned collectors, the launch has been predictably tumultuous, with reports of scalping and store issues already emerging.

This set is particularly coveted for several reasons. It brings back the cherished Trainer's Pokémon cards, evoking nostalgia among fans who fondly remember classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards uniquely integrate beloved Trainers with their Pokémon, adding a special charm to the collection. Additionally, Destined Rivals focuses on Team Rocket, the iconic antagonistic group from the first generation of Pokémon, which adds to its allure. Similar to the earlier popular set Prismatic Evolutions, which highlighted Eevee evolutions, Destined Rivals is poised to be a fan favorite.

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

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The excitement around the set led to a chaotic start when pre-orders opened. Many enthusiasts struggled to access the Pokémon Center website to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a popular choice for those eager to dive into a new set. Unfortunately, scalpers quickly took advantage of the situation, listing pre-orders of the Pokémon Center-specific ETB on eBay for several hundred dollars, far above its usual price of $54.99.

Joe Merrick of Serebii voiced his frustration with the situation, saying, "I truly hate this. 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." His sentiments echo the growing discontent among fans who see the hobby increasingly dominated by financial speculation.

This trend is not new; previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and the Blooming Waters 151 box also faced similar issues with rapid sell-outs and scalping. The Pokémon Company has acknowledged the problem and mentioned in an FAQ on PokéBeach that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later this year.

Compounding the issue, some fans have reported cancellations of their ETB orders. The high demand and popularity of Pokémon TCG are evident, but they're also overshadowing the joy of the hobby for many who simply wish to open packs and play the game.

While the Pokémon TCG Pocket app provides a digital alternative to the physical card scarcity, the frustration remains for those who prefer the tactile experience of the traditional game. A visit to the card aisle of your local store might illustrate the challenge of finding packs amidst such high demand. As exciting as these releases are, the community hopes for solutions to these ongoing issues soon.