In recent years, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, with demand far outpacing supply. Collectors, investors, and even casual fans are struggling to purchase cards at retail prices, thanks to a combination of automated purchasing bots and opportunistic scalpers who buy out stock to resell at inflated prices. This trend has made it nearly impossible for genuine collectors to acquire the latest sets without paying exorbitant markups. A prime example of this overwhelming demand was seen when pre-orders for the Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Boxes (ETB) were announced. Within minutes of release on the Pokémon Center website, all available stock was quickly purchased by bots, leaving many collectors unable to secure a box at retail price. This is just one instance of how automated bots and scalpers have made the market increasingly difficult for true enthusiasts.
But is this phenomenon bad for the hobby, or does it indicate a healthy, thriving market?
The Role of Bots and Scalpers in Pokémon TCG Shortages
One of the biggest challenges facing Pokémon collectors today is the prevalence of automated purchasing bots. These bots, programmed to instantly buy up online stock the moment products go live, have made it increasingly difficult for the average buyer to obtain cards directly from retailers. Scalpers then take advantage of this artificial scarcity, listing products on secondary marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace at double or even triple the original retail price.
According to reports from retailers like Target and Walmart, they have attempted to implement purchase limits to combat this issue, but bots still manage to deplete stock within minutes of release. A 2023 study by StockX found that Pokémon cards remain one of the top resold collectibles, often exceeding retail prices by 150% or more within hours of release. This issue isn’t limited to just limited-edition sets or special releases—regular booster boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes, and even single packs are being scooped up within minutes of release. As a result, many collectors and younger fans are priced out of the market, forced to either pay premium prices or wait for reprints that may never come.
Will This Trend Continue?
The question on every collector’s mind is whether this trend is here to stay. Historically, Pokémon cards have gone through cycles of demand, with peaks during major franchise anniversaries, new game releases, and social media-fueled hype. However, the current surge seems to have lasting power due to several factors:
• Increased Investment Appeal: Pokémon cards are now seen as an alternative investment asset, much like sports cards, luxury watches, and NFTs. High-profile sales of rare cards—such as Logan Paul’s multi-million-dollar purchases—have fueled mainstream interest in Pokémon TCG as a long-term investment.
• Scarcity and Artificial Inflation: With Pokémon sets becoming difficult to acquire at retail, the aftermarket value remains high. Many sellers are deliberately hoarding sealed products, anticipating even higher future prices.
• Growing Nostalgia & Pop Culture Influence: Millennials and Gen Z, who grew up with Pokémon, are now at a stage where they have disposable income to spend on nostalgia-driven purchases.
While Pokémon International has announced increased print runs for popular sets, they have yet to curb the rampant scalping and bot purchasing. In some cases, reprints have helped lower prices slightly, but high-demand sets still experience significant resale markups.
Is This Good or Bad for the Hobby?
There are two sides to the argument regarding the impact of scalping and bots on the Pokémon TCG community:
The Negative Perspective:
• Collectors Are Being Squeezed Out: Genuine fans who want to enjoy the hobby, build decks, and open packs are being forced to pay reseller prices or wait months for restocks.
• Retail Accessibility Is Diminished: With products disappearing instantly upon release, local game stores (LGS) and small retailers struggle to get enough stock to serve their customers.
• Inflated Prices Can Crash the Market: If the bubble bursts and demand suddenly drops, overvalued cards could lose significant value, hurting casual and serious collectors alike.
The Positive Perspective:
• Increased Market Growth: High demand shows the Pokémon TCG is thriving, drawing in new players and investors.
• Stronger Secondary Market: The resale market creates opportunities for collectors to profit from strategic investments and rare finds.
• Encourages Innovation in Distribution: Pokémon International might develop better distribution models, such as lottery-based purchases or direct-to-consumer releases, to combat bots and scalping.
Final Thoughts: Can Anything Be Done?
While Pokémon International has made efforts to increase print runs, the problem of scalping and bot buying remains significant. Some potential solutions include:
• Retailer Purchase Limits: Enforcing strict per-customer limits at both physical and online stores.
• Preorder Systems with Verified Accounts: Implementing lottery-based or member-only preorders to ensure fair distribution.
• More Frequent Reprints: If Pokémon TCG consistently reprints popular sets, it could reduce the incentive for scalping.
Until such measures are widely adopted, the Pokémon TCG community will continue to grapple with inflated prices and scarcity. While the current hype is a testament to the brand’s lasting appeal, accessibility remains a key issue. Whether this trend benefits or harms the hobby in the long run will depend on how Pokémon International and the broader market respond.
Sources
• Target & Walmart Reports on Pokémon TCG Purchase Limits: Retailer Reports Walmart Reports
• StockX 2023 Study on Pokémon Card Resale Trends: StockX Report
• Logan Paul’s High-Profile Pokémon Card Purchases: YouTube
• Pokémon International Announcements on Increased Print Runs: Pokémon Official Site
