Pokémon Company Tackles TCG Shortages, Scalpers Post-Destined Rivals Launch

The Pokémon Company has officially responded to the ongoing challenges fans face in obtaining recent Pokémon Trading Card Game sets. In their latest statement, the company has promised reprints and is actively working to ensure products reach fans more effectively.

The launch of the newest set, Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was marred by shortages, pre-order issues, and scalping activities. This set, along with other recent releases like Prismatic Evolutions and the Blooming Waters box, have been extremely sought-after, leading to significant difficulties in acquisition.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box Images

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In a statement published on the Pokémon website, The Pokémon Company (TPC) acknowledged that some fans are "experiencing difficulties purchasing certain Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) products due to very high demand impacting availability."

"We understand this inconvenience can be disappointing for fans, and we are actively working to print more of the impacted Pokémon TCG products as quickly as possible and at maximum capacity to address this," the statement explained. "Reprinted products are expected to be available at participating retailers as soon as possible."

TPC also committed to "maximizing production" for future TCG expansions to enhance product availability at launch and promised to "continue to reprint impacted products" to restock inventory, including at the Pokémon Center.

Additionally, The Pokémon Company touched on the issue of scalping indirectly. For Pokémon Center releases, the company is "committed to providing a smooth purchasing experience and employ technology that helps get products into the hands of fans first and foremost." This includes using a virtual queue system during times of high site traffic to manage demand.

"We will continue to explore measures that help create the best possible experience for Pokémon Center customers," the company stated. "We’d like to thank the community for their continued support and patience as we work to deliver more Pokémon TCG products to fans."

It's hoped that these efforts will ease the frustrations of collecting and playing the Pokémon TCG, making the experience smoother for fans when new sets are released.