The latest Pokémon TCG set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24, with pre-orders kicking off ahead of its official launch on May 30, 2025. For seasoned collectors, the launch might not come as a surprise, as it has already been marked by the usual chaos of scalping and website issues.
Several factors contribute to the high demand for Destined Rivals. Notably, it brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon cards, reminiscent of classics like Brock's Sandslash and Rocket's Mewtwo. This nostalgic return has fans excited, especially those who fondly remember the older sets. Furthermore, the set revolves around Team Rocket, tapping into the nostalgia of Pokémon's first generation, much like the popular Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year with its focus on Eevee-lutions.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box Images
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As expected, when pre-orders for the Elite Trainer Box (ETB) went live, many fans faced difficulties accessing the Pokémon Center website. The ETB, a popular choice for those eager to dive into a new set with a themed box of packs and accessories, quickly became a focal point of frustration.
Scalpers swiftly capitalized on the situation, listing pre-orders of the Pokémon Center-specific ETB on sites like eBay at prices far exceeding the usual $54.99. Serebii's Joe Merrick expressed his dismay at the situation, highlighting how the Pokémon TCG has increasingly become a financial venture rather than a hobby.
"I truly hate this," Merrick stated. "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."
This issue is not new; previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 also faced similar challenges. The Pokémon Company (TPC) has responded to these concerns by stating that additional inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later in the year, according to a FAQ shared by PokéBeach.
Compounding the scalping issues, some customers have reported their ETB orders being cancelled. The high demand and popularity of the Pokémon TCG are evident, but they are also tarnishing the experience for many who simply want to enjoy the hobby. While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative, the frustration for those who prefer physical cards remains palpable. A visit to a local store's card aisle will likely reveal the difficulty of finding packs amidst these exciting releases. Hopefully, solutions will emerge soon to alleviate these challenges.
