Scalpers Target LEGO’s New Pokémon Line
LEGO’s newly announced Pokémon collaboration hasn’t even hit store shelves yet, and already the sets are being aggressively scalped online. Listings on resale platforms are showing prices far beyond retail value, with collectors and fans facing inflated costs before the official launch later this month.
LEGO is releasing three main Pokémon-themed sets for general purchase:
- Pikachu
- Eevee
- A combined set featuring Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise
In addition to these, two exclusive sets are fueling much of the resale frenzy:
- Mini Pokémon Center Set – available only through LEGO Insiders rewards
- Kanto Region Gym Badge Collection – free gift with purchase when ordering eligible LEGO Pokémon sets from the Pokémon Center
The Gym Badge Collection in particular has become the primary target for scalpers due to its limited availability.
eBay Listings Show Extreme Price Inflation
A quick look at resale listings reveals how quickly prices have spiraled out of control:
- The LEGO Pikachu set has appeared for as much as $350
- The Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set has been listed at up to $1,000
- The Kanto Gym Badge Collection, which is supposed to be a free bonus item, is being sold for $100 to $250
What makes this even more frustrating for fans is that many of these listings are not for physical stock — they are pre-orders, meaning buyers pay inflated prices now for products that won’t ship until the official release later in February.
Official Prices vs Resale Prices
Here’s how the official pricing compares to what fans are seeing on resale platforms:
- LEGO Pikachu – $199.99
- LEGO Eevee – $59.99
- LEGO Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise – $649.99
- LEGO Kanto Gym Badge Collection – Free with qualifying Pokémon Center purchase
- LEGO Mini Pokémon Center Set – LEGO Insider reward (2,500 points)
Even at retail, the LEGO Pokémon sets sparked debate over pricing, especially among longtime collectors. The current resale situation has only intensified criticism, turning what should be an exciting launch into a frustrating experience for many fans.
Limited Stock Drives Scalping Behavior
Availability plays a major role in the current situation. While the Pikachu and Eevee sets remain in stock on official LEGO and Pokémon Center stores, the Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set has already sold out.
That scarcity, combined with the exclusivity of the Gym Badge Collection, has created a perfect storm for scalpers. Collectors who miss out on official stock are left with two options: wait and hope for restocks, or pay significantly more to third-party sellers.
Unfortunately, that desperation is exactly what keeps the resale market thriving.
A Strong Year Ahead for Pokémon — Despite the Frustration
The timing of this controversy is bittersweet. Pokémon is entering a major celebratory period with its 30th anniversary, and fans have a lot to look forward to beyond collectibles.
On the horizon are new game releases including:
- Pokémon Pokopia
- Pokémon Champions
- The heavily discussed, leaked Generation 10 titles
For collectors and TCG players, upcoming releases like Ascended Heroes and Perfect Order are also expected to keep the community busy in early 2026.
Still, for LEGO fans hoping to celebrate with these new sets, the early scalping wave casts a shadow over what should have been a fun and accessible launch.
Final Thoughts
Scalping has become an unfortunate reality in modern collectibles, but seeing it happen before products even officially release is especially disheartening. With Pokémon and LEGO both commanding massive fanbases, demand was always going to be high — but exclusivity and limited distribution have only amplified the problem.
For now, fans can still secure the LEGO Pikachu and LEGO Eevee sets at retail price while stock lasts. As for the rest, patience may be the only real defense against inflated resale prices.
