The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) set, *Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals*, has been fully unveiled and is now available for pre-order. As expected, the launch has been tumultuous, with scalpers and website issues causing chaos for eager collectors. Unveiled on March 24, the set is slated to officially launch on May 30, 2025. This set is highly anticipated for several reasons, including the revival of Trainer's Pokémon cards, reminiscent of classics like Brock's Sandslash and Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards uniquely integrate beloved Trainers into the Pokémon card universe, adding a nostalgic appeal.
Additionally, *Destined Rivals* heavily features Team Rocket, the iconic antagonistic faction from Pokémon's first generation, further fueling its popularity. Much like the earlier *Prismatic Evolutions* set, which celebrated Eevee-lutions, *Destined Rivals* promises to be a fan-favorite.
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When pre-orders opened, the Pokémon Center website struggled to handle the traffic, leaving many fans unable to secure the coveted Elite Trainer Box (ETB). This themed box, containing packs and other collectibles, is a popular choice for those wanting to dive into a new set. Meanwhile, scalpers wasted no time listing their ETB pre-orders on eBay at exorbitant prices, with some listings reaching several hundred dollars for a box that typically retails at $54.99. Joe Merrick of Serebii shared his own frustrating experience, highlighting the shift towards treating Pokémon TCG as a financial investment rather than a hobby.
This scenario echoes issues faced with previous sets like *Prismatic Evolutions* and *Blooming Waters 151*, where stock shortages were prevalent. The Pokémon Company has assured fans that more inventory of the *Destined Rivals* ETB will be available later this year, according to PokéBeach. However, amidst the scalping frenzy, some customers have reported their ETB orders being cancelled, highlighting the overwhelming demand and popularity of the Pokémon TCG.
While the virtual *Pokémon TCG Pocket* offers an alternative to physical card shortages, the frustration is palpable for those who simply wish to enjoy the traditional hobby. A visit to your local store's card aisle would likely reveal the difficulty in finding packs amidst such high demand. These exciting releases are shadowed by the ongoing challenges, and fans are hopeful for solutions soon.
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