Cardboard Crisis: Pokémon Collectors Driven Out as Scalpers Strip Shelves Bare

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is experiencing unprecedented challenges as the highly anticipated Journey Together set approaches release. Collectors and players alike are facing significant obstacles in acquiring new card packs, with an aggressive resale market creating substantial disruption.
Scalpers have dramatically transformed the card purchasing landscape, buying up massive quantities of sealed products with the sole intention of reselling at inflated prices. This predatory behavior has made it increasingly difficult for genuine fans and collectors to obtain new card sets through traditional retail channels.
In an extraordinary response to these market pressures, Pokémon Centers are now implementing unprecedented strategies. Some physical stores have begun opening product packages before sale, a radical approach designed to combat scalping and ensure more equitable distribution of card sets.
The current state of the Pokémon Trading Card Game reflects a complex ecosystem where demand far outstrips supply, creating a challenging environment for both casual collectors and serious enthusiasts. As the Journey Together set looms on the horizon, the community watches with anticipation to see how these market dynamics will evolve.