Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Launch Marred by Scalping and Supply Issues

The new Pokémon TCG set, Destined Rivals, has been fully revealed, with pre-orders now open. For seasoned collectors, the chaotic launch may feel all too familiar, as scalpers and retailer challenges are already disrupting access to this highly anticipated set.

Revealed on March 24, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals is slated for release on May 30, 2025. This set stands out for several reasons. It reintroduces Trainer's Pokémon cards, a nostalgic nod for collectors who recall classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo. Take a moment to ease those aching joints before celebrating this beloved archetype’s return.

These cards creatively tie iconic Trainers to Pokémon, adding unique appeal. Additionally, Destined Rivals spotlights Team Rocket, the villainous faction from Pokémon’s first generation. Much like the popular Prismatic Evolutions set with its Eevee-lutions, Destined Rivals is poised to be a fan favorite.

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

When pre-orders launched, frustration quickly mounted. Fans attempting to purchase an Elite Trainer Box—a popular bundle of packs and accessories—on the Pokémon Center website were often met with errors or long queues, leaving many empty-handed.

Scalpers, predictably, flooded online marketplaces like eBay with pre-order listings for the Elite Trainer Box, with prices soaring into the hundreds for a box typically priced at $54.99. These listings were for confirmed Pokémon Center-exclusive pre-orders. Serebii’s Joe Merrick captured the sentiment, describing hours spent in virtual queues to secure a Destined Rivals ETB.

“I truly hate this,” Merrick wrote. “The way Pokémon TCG has become a financial game, treated as an investment or flipped for profit, is disheartening. Shame on those exploiting it.”

Such issues are, unfortunately, standard. The Prismatic Evolutions set faced similar shortages, and the Blooming Waters 151 box sold out rapidly. Restock alerts for various retailers are now commonplace. The Pokémon Company has noted in an online FAQ (via PokéBeach) that additional Destined Rivals ETB stock will be available later this year.

Beyond scalping, some buyers report cancelled ETB orders, despite soaring demand for the Pokémon TCG. This popularity, while a testament to the game’s appeal, is overshadowing the joy of collecting and playing for many fans.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket provides a digital alternative to physical shortages, it’s little comfort for those eager to engage with the physical hobby. A quick visit to a local store’s card aisle reveals the challenge of securing packs. With exciting releases like these, the hope is for solutions to ease these frustrations soon.