The latest Pokémon TCG set, Destined Rivals, has been fully unveiled, and the excitement is palpable as pre-orders kick off. As with many highly anticipated releases, the launch has been anything but smooth, with reports of scalpers and store issues already surfacing.
Unveiled on March 24, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals is set to hit shelves on May 30, 2025. This set is generating significant buzz for several reasons. Notably, it brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon cards, reminiscent of classics like Brock's Sandslash and Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards offer a unique way to integrate iconic Trainers into the Pokémon TCG universe, adding depth and nostalgia to the game. Furthermore, Destined Rivals revolves around the infamous Team Rocket, a fan-favorite villainous group from the first generation of Pokémon games. Much like the earlier Prismatic Evolutions set with its Eevee-lutions, Destined Rivals promises to be a highly sought-after addition to any collector's arsenal.
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 quickly overwhelmed, leaving many enthusiasts unable to secure the coveted Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a popular choice for those eager to dive into the new set. The situation deteriorated further as scalpers swooped in, listing the typically $54.99 ETB on online marketplaces like eBay for several hundred dollars. Joe Merrick of Serebii expressed his frustration, highlighting the shift towards treating Pokémon TCG as an investment rather than a hobby. "I truly hate this," Merrick wrote. "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 scenario is unfortunately familiar. Sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 have faced similar shortages and rapid sell-outs. In response, The Pokémon Company (TPC) has announced that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later this year, according to a FAQ on PokéBeach. Despite these assurances, some customers are reporting cancellations of their ETB orders, adding to the frustration.
The soaring demand for Pokémon TCG products underscores the immense popularity of the hobby, but it also casts a shadow over the enjoyment for those simply wanting to open packs and play. While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to physical scarcity, the challenges faced by physical card enthusiasts remain significant. A visit to your local store's card aisle can quickly illustrate the struggle to find available packs. As the community eagerly anticipates these exciting releases, the hope is that solutions will emerge to address these ongoing issues.
