Pokémon Company Tackles TCG Shortages, Scalpers Post-Destined Rivals

The Pokémon Company has taken a proactive step in addressing the persistent challenges fans face when trying to acquire recent Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) sets. In a recent statement, the company has reassured fans that reprints of popular sets are on the horizon, as they are diligently working to ensure that these products reach the hands of enthusiasts.

The launch of the latest set, Destined Rivals, was marred by a series of issues, including product shortages, pre-order complications, and the interference of scalpers. Similarly, other recent releases such as Prismatic Evolutions and the Blooming Waters box have been highly sought after, making them difficult to obtain.

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

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In their statement on the official Pokémon website, The Pokémon Company acknowledged the difficulties fans have faced, stating, "We are aware that some fans are experiencing difficulties purchasing certain Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) products due to very high demand impacting availability."

The company expressed empathy for the fans' frustrations and outlined their plan to address the issue, saying, "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 acknowledge this. Reprinted products are expected to be available at participating retailers as soon as possible."

Furthermore, The Pokémon Company committed to increasing production for upcoming TCG expansions to improve product availability at launch and promised to continue reprinting affected products to restock inventory, including at the Pokémon Center.

In an effort to combat scalping, the company indirectly addressed the issue, emphasizing their dedication to a seamless purchasing experience on the Pokémon Center. They stated, "We are committed to providing a smooth purchasing experience and employ technology that helps get products into the hands of fans first and foremost." This includes the use of a virtual queue during periods of high site traffic.

The Pokémon Company concluded by expressing their ongoing commitment to enhancing the customer experience, stating, "We will continue to explore measures that help create the best possible experience for Pokémon Center customers. We’d like to thank the community for their continued support and patience as we work to deliver more Pokémon TCG products to fans."

With these assurances, fans of the Pokémon TCG can look forward to a more accessible and less stressful experience when new sets are released. The hope is that these measures will significantly improve the situation for collectors and players alike.