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 pre-orders have commenced, the launch has been tumultuous, with scalpers and store issues already causing significant disruptions.
This set is particularly coveted for several reasons. It marks the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, a nostalgic feature for long-time collectors who fondly remember classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards uniquely integrate beloved Trainers with their Pokémon, adding a special layer of excitement. Additionally, Destined Rivals focuses on Team Rocket, the iconic villainous team from the first generation of Pokémon games, which adds to its allure. Much like the earlier Prismatic Evolutions set, which celebrated 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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When pre-orders opened, the Pokémon Center website was overwhelmed, leaving many fans unable to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a popular choice for those eager to dive into the new set. Scalpers quickly capitalized on the situation, listing pre-orders of the Pokémon Center-specific ETB on eBay for several hundred dollars, far above the usual $54.99 price tag. Joe Merrick of Serebii expressed his frustration, highlighting the shift of the Pokémon TCG towards a financial investment rather than a hobby.
This scenario is unfortunately familiar. 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, stating in an FAQ (via PokéBeach) that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later this year. However, some buyers have reported their orders being cancelled, further exacerbating the frustration among fans.
While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to the physical card scarcity, the challenges faced by collectors and players in acquiring the new sets are disheartening. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the difficulty in finding packs. These issues are particularly frustrating given the excitement surrounding the new releases. Hopefully, solutions will be implemented soon to alleviate these problems and restore the joy of the hobby for all enthusiasts.
