The latest Pokémon TCG set, *Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals*, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is set to launch on May 30, 2025. However, the pre-order phase has been marred by chaos, with scalpers and store issues already creating significant hurdles for collectors.

This set is particularly sought-after for a few compelling reasons. It marks the exciting return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, reminiscent of vintage cards like Brock's Sandslash and Rocket's Mewtwo. These cards ingeniously tie beloved Trainers into the actual Pokémon cards, adding a nostalgic flair that fans have eagerly awaited. Moreover, *Destined Rivals* centers around Team Rocket, the iconic antagonistic faction from the first generation of Pokémon games. This thematic focus, much like the earlier *Prismatic Evolutions* set with its Eevee-lutions, positions *Destined Rivals* as a highly anticipated release.

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

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When pre-orders opened, the anticipated frustration materialized quickly. Many fans found themselves unable to access the Pokémon Center website to purchase an Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a popular product containing card packs and other collector's items. The situation was compounded by scalpers who immediately listed these ETB pre-orders on online auctions like eBay, with prices soaring to several hundred dollars for a box that typically retails for $54.99. Joe Merrick of Serebii, after waiting hours in a queue, expressed his dismay, stating, "I truly hate this. The way almost all Pokemon 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."

Unfortunately, this scenario is not unique. Previous sets like *Prismatic Evolutions* and *Blooming Waters 151* also faced similar shortages and rapid sell-outs. The Pokémon Company has acknowledged the issue, stating in a FAQ on PokéBeach that more inventory of the *Destined Rivals* ETB will be available later in the year. Yet, amidst the scalping frenzy, some buyers have reported their pre-orders being cancelled, highlighting the intense demand and the challenges facing the hobby.

While *Pokémon TCG Pocket* offers a virtual alternative to these physical scarcity issues, many fans still crave the tangible experience of opening packs and engaging in physical matches. A visit to your local store's card aisle might reveal the struggle to find available packs, underscoring the frustration surrounding these highly anticipated releases. As fans hope for solutions to these ongoing issues, the excitement for sets like *Destined Rivals* remains palpable.