The latest Pokémon TCG set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, has been fully unveiled, and pre-orders are already in full swing. If you're a seasoned collector, you won't be surprised to hear that the launch window has been somewhat chaotic, with scalpers and store issues already reported as significant challenges.

Revealed on March 24, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals is scheduled to hit the market on May 30, 2025. Several elements make this set particularly coveted. One of the key attractions is the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards. For those who fondly remember vintage cards like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo, this revival of a classic archetype is something to get excited about. These cards are a fun way to integrate beloved Trainers with their Pokémon in innovative designs. Additionally, the set's focus on Team Rocket, the notorious villainous faction from Pokémon's first generation, adds to its allure. Just like the Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year, which celebrated Eevee-lutions, Destined Rivals has all the ingredients to become a fan favorite.

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

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When pre-orders went live, it's no surprise that frustration mounted quickly. Many eager fans trying to access the Pokémon Center website to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB) found themselves locked out. The ETB, a themed box containing packs and other goodies, is a popular choice for those eager to dive into the new set.

As expected, scalpers jumped into action, listing their ETB pre-orders on online auction sites like eBay at exorbitant prices. Listings for the usually $54.99 box were seen reaching several hundred dollars. These listings were for confirmed pre-orders of the Pokémon Center-specific ETB. Joe Merrick from Serebii, who experienced long waits in the queue to purchase a Destined Rivals ETB, expressed his frustration on social media.

"I truly hate this," Merrick stated. "The way almost all Pokémon TCG content has shifted to financial. The way that people just treat it as investment. The way people just want to flip it. It's disgusting. Shame on all involved."

Sadly, this scenario is becoming increasingly common. The Prismatic Evolutions set faced similar shortages, and the Blooming Waters 151 box sold out rapidly. It's not unusual to see notifications and alerts about restocks from various retailers. The Pokémon Company has already announced, according to a FAQ on PokéBeach, that additional inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later this year.

On top of the scalping issues, some customers are reporting that their ETB orders are being cancelled. The demand and popularity for the Pokémon TCG are soaring, but unfortunately, it's also tarnishing the hobby for many who simply want to enjoy opening packs or playing the game.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to the challenges of physical scarcity, the frustrations remain for those who prefer the tangible experience of the hobby. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the difficulties of obtaining packs in the current market. It's particularly disheartening when these releases are so eagerly anticipated. Hopefully, solutions to these issues will emerge soon.