I’m sick and tired of scalpers. They’re buying up all the Pokémon cards at MSRP and then selling them for outrageous prices on resale sites. It’s really ruining the experience for true fans who just want to enjoy the thrill of a pack opening without breaking the bank. And it’s not just the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) that’s suffering—other trading card games are feeling the heat too.
The Impact of Scalpers on the Pokémon Trading Card Game
As a lifelong Pokémon fan who’s been playing the games since day one, I’ve seen the ups and downs of our favorite hobby. Recently, I got back into collecting Pokémon cards—after years of focusing mainly on the games—and I couldn’t believe the state of the market. Retailers are struggling to keep up with the demand, and scalpers are snapping up the hottest new releases. It’s frustrating watching rare packs get flipped for double or triple the price.
To beat the scalpers and catch em all for retail price, you typically have to wake up early and camp outside. It really stinks that this what a simple passion has become.
Just recently, there was even a reported incident at a Costco in Los Angeles, where shoppers ended up in a physical altercation over the Pokémon 151 Blooming Waters packs. These packs, originally priced under $60, were being resold for $120 to $150 (NY Post). And as if that wasn’t enough, Costco eventually had to limit purchases—or even discontinue the items—because the demand from scalpers was so overwhelming (The Sun).
It’s Not Just Pokémon—Other TCGs Are Getting Hit Too
Pokémon isn’t the only TCG where this problem is rampant. Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh! are also feeling the pinch. Recently, the Magic: The Gathering 30th Anniversary Collectors Kit faced its own set of issues with scalpers (and even some website glitches) that left fans pretty upset (Dicebreaker). Meanwhile, the Yu-Gi-Oh! community has been raising concerns about scalping practices that make it almost impossible to get products at retail prices without paying a premium.
What Retailers and The Pokémon Company Are Doing About It
Some retailers and even The Pokémon Company have started to take measures. For example, Costco imposed a strict “1 unit per membership per day” rule on certain Pokémon card products in an effort to combat scalpers. The Pokémon Company has also tried to address shortages by promising increased production and restocks. Pokémon Center stores are even experimenting with removing plastic wrap from TCG products to make them less attractive to scalpers (IGN).
But while these steps are a start, it’s clear that a collaborative effort is needed between companies, retailers, and the community to keep our beloved hobby accessible. We need more production, stricter limits, and smarter distribution strategies to ensure that real fans—those of us who grew up loving these cards—can get our hands on them without being sidelined by profiteers.
How the TCG Community Is Fighting Back
I’m passionate about Pokémon cards and the broader TCG world, and I know many of you are, too. Let’s use our collective voice to push for changes that benefit collectors, not scalpers. Have you had any frustrating experiences trying to purchase cards at retail prices? What do you think can be done to help stop scalpers? Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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