The Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCG) finds itself in turbulent waters yet again, overwhelmed by its own skyrocketing popularity. If you’ve been eagerly waiting to get your hands on the upcoming Prismatic Evolutions special set or March’s Journey Together, you may already be out of luck. Pre-orders for both sets disappeared in moments, leaving fans and collectors frustrated. The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) must act swiftly to address this escalating crisis.
Pre-Order Chaos: Unavailable Before They’re Available
Issues became glaringly apparent when Prismatic Evolutions went live for pre-order on the Pokémon Center’s websites in the U.S. and UK. Visitors were greeted with an “UNAVAILABLE” tag the moment products appeared. Shortly after, this status shifted to “SOLD OUT,” sparking confusion and frustration.
A similar scenario unfolded with the Journey Together set, announced for release in March. Despite appearing briefly on the New Releases page, these products also became inaccessible in seconds. Attempts to secure items were met with error messages or fleeting glimpses of “ADD TO BASKET” buttons that quickly vanished.
Repeated inquiries to TPCi yielded little clarity, with responses simply stating that “Pokémon does not have any additional information to share.” The silence has only fueled speculation and dissatisfaction.
Scalpers and Bots: The Likely Culprits
The blame largely falls on scalpers and automated bots. Pre-orders for Prismatic Evolutions and Journey Together are already surfacing on secondary markets like eBay, with prices inflated beyond reason. Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) that should retail for $60 are being resold for as much as $400.
Several factors have contributed to this situation:
- Increased Popularity: The success of Pokémon TCG Pocket, a gateway to physical card collecting, has drawn millions of new enthusiasts.
- Hype for New Sets: The Eevee-themed Prismatic Evolutions set and the buzz surrounding Journey Together have made them instant targets.
- Scarcity Spiral: Scalpers hoard stock, driving prices higher, which attracts more resellers, creating a vicious cycle.
A Broken Hobby for Players and Collectors
Unlike past surges in Pokémon TCG popularity—fueled by classic card demand or viral moments like Logan Paul’s $150,000 Charizard purchase—the current crisis revolves around brand-new sets. This shift is detrimental to both casual collectors and competitive players:
- Collectors: Fans who enjoy purchasing occasional packs for their collections now find shelves empty or prices unattainable.
- Players: Those looking to update their decks for competitive play face challenges in keeping up with the meta due to lack of affordable access to new cards.
This isn’t just frustrating; it jeopardizes the game’s accessibility and inclusivity, alienating newcomers and loyal fans alike.
Community Outcry and Hope for Change
Prominent Pokémon YouTubers, such as PokeRev, have begun voicing their concerns. Known for opening new sets before their release, PokeRev acknowledged the guilt he feels, knowing his audience struggles to obtain the same cards he showcases.
With nearly 3 million subscribers, his candor on the issue could push TPCi into taking action. Fans are encouraged to avoid paying inflated scalper prices, as this perpetuates the cycle and worsens the problem.
What Needs to Be Done
TPCi must take decisive steps to regain control:
- Enhance Scalper Protections: Introducing CAPTCHA systems, purchase limits, and bot-blocking measures can help curb automated bulk buying.
- Boost Production: Increased print runs of popular sets could meet demand and dilute scalper influence.
- Transparent Communication: Regular updates on availability and restocks would reassure fans and demonstrate goodwill.
Final Thoughts
The Pokémon TCG’s meteoric rise in popularity is both a blessing and a curse. While the demand underscores the enduring appeal of the franchise, the current state of unavailability and inflated resale markets threatens to alienate its core community.
Fans must make their voices heard, and TPCi must recognize the urgency of the situation. Until then, collectors and players hoping to enjoy the latest sets will need to rely on patience—or hope for a rapid resolution to this troubling trend.
