The Pokemon SV Destined Rivals Debacle: How Scalpers Are Ruining It for Everyone

Pokémon fans are no strangers to the thrill of collecting, but Since COVID, and more recently the hype around Pokémon TCG Pocket, the excitement of new releases has been tainted by scalpers, the TCG communities' new common enemy.

The pre-order launch of the Pokemon SV "Destined Rivals" set, which promised to be a celebration of the franchise’s iconic rivalries, quickly became a battlefield for frustrated fans and opportunistic resellers. Let’s break down what happened and why scalping continues to be a major issue in the Pokémon TCG community.

What Went Wrong with Pokemon Destined Rivals Preorders?

When preorders for the "Destined Rivals" set went live, chaos ensued. Within minutes, the Pokémon Center website crashed. When you could get the website to load, there was a line system before you could access the page. Finally, the product page loaded, but most users were left with a single sad message only minutes after the listing went live: UNAVAILABLE.

This left countless fans and honest collectors empty-handed. Social media exploded with angry posts from collectors and players who had done what was needed and got to the site on time to secure a box. Meanwhile, listings for the set began appearing instantly on resale platforms at exorbitant prices.

The scalping issue is nothing new, but this time it hit particularly hard. The "Destined Rivals" set’s hype, fueled by the recent shortage of Prismatic Evolutions product and the impending doom of Journey Together, made it a prime target for resellers aiming to make a quick profit. As a result, genuine fans found themselves priced out of the market before the set even hits the shelves (if it ever does).

Why Is Scalping Such a Big Problem?

Scalping thrives on limited supply and high demand, both of which are cornerstones of the Pokémon TCG’s popularity. There are several issues that also inflate the issue to crazy proportions:

1. Artificial Scarcity: Low print runs and the unpredictability of restocks make it difficult for fans to secure products at retail prices.

2. Bots and Automation: Scalpers often use automated tools to buy up stock faster than human buyers can click “Add to Cart.”

3. Resale Platforms: Websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and StockX provide a lucrative market for scalpers, who can flip products for double or triple their retail value.

4. Lack of Countermeasures: Despite promises from companies to combat scalping, many retailers still struggle to implement effective protections for consumers.

   
   

How Does This Affect the Community?

The impact of scalping goes beyond just empty wallets. Here’s how it’s hurting the Pokémon TCG community:

• Barrier to Entry: New players and collectors are often discouraged from participating when they see how difficult (and expensive) it is to get started.

• Disillusioned Fans: Longtime collectors may lose interest when they feel that their passion is being exploited for profit and they no longer have access to product.

• Tension Within the Community: Scalping creates a divide between those who can afford to pay resale prices and those who can’t, fostering resentment.

  
  

So, What Can Be Done?

While there’s no Master Ball to catch scalpers, here are some steps that could help mitigate the issue:

1. Better Preorder Systems: Retailers could implement measures like purchase limits or verified buyer programs to ensure fairer distribution.

2. Increased Print Runs: Printing more product can help satisfy demand and make it less profitable for scalpers to hoard stock.

3. Community Action: Fans can boycott scalpers by refusing to pay inflated prices, though this requires collective effort and patience.

4. Retailer Accountability: Companies need to prioritize their core audience by actively addressing the issues that enable scalping. This is easily done by enforcing a product purchase limit and register flags.

   
   

It's Time for a Change

The "Destined Rivals" preorder fiasco is just the latest chapter in a growing saga of frustration for Pokémon TCG fans. While the love for the game remains strong, the community’s patience is wearing thin. Until meaningful changes are made, fans will continue to face the uphill battle of securing their favorite cards without breaking the bank.

Here’s hoping that one day, the real rivalries in Pokémon will be on the battlefield, not at the checkout line.