The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is facing an unprecedented crisis due to skyrocketing demand and scalper activity. Sealed cards are scarce, and physical stores are taking drastic measures to combat the issue. In Japan and Singapore, Pokémon Centers have started removing packaging from TCG products before selling them, making it harder for resellers to profit. This strategy aims to reduce the incentive for scalpers.
The situation has become so dire that even legitimate collectors face difficulties in purchasing sealed cards due to bot-driven demand and scalper activity. The upcoming Journey Together set will introduce new collectible cards, including rare variants, which are expected to fuel the scalper market. To mitigate this, Pokémon Company International must either increase production or find alternative solutions.
The crisis highlights the challenges faced by the TCG’s live game due to the intense popularity of the trading card game. While physical stores in the US and UK remain unaffected, their third-party retailers face similar issues when it comes to removing packaging from products. Ultimately, something needs to be done to address the scalper problem and ensure a sustainable market for the beloved game.
Source: https://kotaku.com/pokemon-center-tcg-scalpers-journey-together-1851770342