The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is set to launch on May 30, 2025. If you're a seasoned collector, the chaotic pre-order phase won't come as a surprise, with scalpers and store issues already making waves around this highly anticipated set.

Destined Rivals stands out for a few key reasons. It brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon cards, reminiscent of classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo. This nostalgic return is sure to excite fans who remember these cards fondly. Moreover, the set focuses on Team Rocket, the iconic villainous faction from the first generation of Pokémon games, adding another layer of appeal. Much like the Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year, which celebrated Eevee and its evolutions, Destined Rivals is poised to be a fan favorite.

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

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When pre-orders went live, the Pokémon Center website was overwhelmed, leaving many fans unable to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB). These boxes, which include themed packs and other goodies, are a popular choice for those eager to dive into a new set. Unfortunately, scalpers quickly took to online marketplaces like eBay, listing pre-orders of the Pokémon Center-specific ETB for several hundred dollars, far above the usual $54.99 price tag. Joe Merrick from Serebii expressed his frustration, highlighting how the Pokémon TCG has increasingly become a financial venture rather than a hobby.

This situation is not unique to Destined Rivals. Previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 also faced similar issues with shortages and rapid sell-outs. The Pokémon Company (TPC) has acknowledged the high demand and, according to PokéBeach, plans to release more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB later in the year. Despite these efforts, some customers have reported their orders being cancelled, adding to the frustration.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a virtual alternative to the challenges of physical card scarcity, many enthusiasts still yearn for the tactile experience of opening packs and playing with physical cards. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the difficulty in finding these sought-after packs. With such exciting releases, it's doubly disappointing to face these obstacles. Hopefully, solutions will be implemented soon to ease the frustrations of Pokémon TCG fans.