The latest addition to the Pokémon Trading Card Game, **Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals**, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is set to launch on May 30, 2025. As expected, the initial pre-order phase has been tumultuous, with reports of scalpers and store issues complicating access to this highly anticipated set.
One of the reasons Destined Rivals is generating so much excitement is the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards. Fans who fondly remember classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo are thrilled to see this beloved archetype make a comeback. These cards offer a unique way to integrate favorite Trainers into the Pokémon universe. Furthermore, the set's focus on Team Rocket, the iconic antagonists from the first generation of Pokémon games, adds another layer of appeal, reminiscent of the popular Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box Images
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When pre-orders for the Elite Trainer Box (ETB) went live, the Pokémon Center website struggled to cope with the demand, leaving many fans unable to secure their orders. Scalpers quickly took advantage of the situation, listing pre-orders on platforms like eBay at exorbitant prices, far exceeding the usual $54.99 price tag. Joe Merrick of Serebii voiced his frustration, highlighting the shift in the Pokémon TCG community towards financial speculation rather than enjoyment of the hobby.
This issue is not new to the Pokémon TCG scene; sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 also faced similar challenges with stock shortages. The Pokémon Company has acknowledged the situation, stating through a FAQ on PokéBeach that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later in the year. However, even with this assurance, some customers are reporting that their orders are being cancelled, further complicating matters.
While the Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to the physical card scarcity, the core frustration for many enthusiasts lies in the difficulty of participating in the traditional card collecting and playing experience. Visiting a local store's card aisle currently illustrates the challenges faced by fans eager to get their hands on new sets. The excitement around releases like Destined Rivals only heightens these frustrations. Hopefully, effective solutions will be implemented soon to alleviate these ongoing issues.
