The latest Pokémon TCG set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is set to launch on May 30, 2025. As pre-orders began, the excitement was quickly overshadowed by the usual chaos of launches in the Pokémon TCG world. Scalpers and website issues have made the launch particularly challenging for collectors and fans eager to get their hands on this new set.
Destined Rivals is generating significant buzz for a few key reasons. It marks the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, a nostalgic nod to classic cards like Brock's Sandslash and Rocket's Mewtwo. This archetype allows for creative integration of beloved Trainers into the Pokémon card game. Furthermore, the set centers around Team Rocket, a fan-favorite villainous faction from the original Pokémon generation. Much like the earlier Prismatic Evolutions set with its focus on Eevee-lutions, Destined Rivals has all the ingredients to become a highly sought-after release.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box Images
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When pre-orders opened, fans were met with frustration as they struggled to access the Pokémon Center website to purchase the Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a popular choice for diving into new sets. Scalpers wasted no time, flooding eBay with listings of the ETB at inflated prices, often reaching several hundred dollars for what typically retails at $54.99. Joe Merrick from Serebii voiced his disappointment, reflecting on the shift of the Pokémon TCG towards a financial investment rather than a hobby.
This scenario isn't new; previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 also faced similar challenges with stock shortages. The Pokémon Company has already announced that more inventory for the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later in the year, according to a FAQ on PokéBeach. Despite this, some buyers are reporting cancellations of their ETB orders, further complicating the situation.
The high demand and popularity of the Pokémon TCG are evident, but so are the issues plaguing the hobby. While Pokémon TCG Pocket provides a digital alternative, the frustration is palpable for those who wish to enjoy the physical aspect of the game. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely illustrate the difficulty in finding packs amidst these exciting releases. Hopefully, solutions will emerge to address these ongoing challenges.
