Summary
For a very short while, it seemed like the world of thePokemon Trading Card Gamewas healing. Prices of single cardsbegan to tumble for the first time in over three months, The Pokemon Center’s anti-bot protectionseemed to have kicked up a gear, and other retailers, like GameStop, wereimposing purchase limitson upcoming, in-demand products.
Unfortunately, that healing process didn’t last long. Despite limiting customers to one of each product, GameStop seems to be charging well over the RRP for the upcomingDestined Rivalsrelease.
Destined Rivals Stock Is Being Price-Gouged By GameStop
Destined Rivals is undoubtedly going to be one of the most popular Pokemon TCG sets in recent memory, maybe ever. It releases on May 30 and contains dozens of stunning cards, including the return of Team Rocket to the TCG for the first time in years. Chase cards like Rocket’s Mewtwo ex and Rocket’s Moltres ex are likely to fetch a pretty penny.
Clearly aware of the zeitgeist surrounding the expansion and the high demand from collectors, GameStop looks like it will be placing a hefty markup on some of the most sought-after products.
According to a seemingly legitimate pricing list from GameStop, the troubled retailer will be placing a mark-up on both the Booster Boxes and Booster Bundles.
Booster Boxes, which typically retail ataround $162, will reportedly be sold for $199.99, and Booster Bundles, which The Pokemon Centerlists for $26.94, will be sold at GameStop for $39.99. This represents a 23 percent and a 48 percent increase, respectively.
Naturally, reaction to the news hasn’t gone down well with fans.
The pre-order process for Destined Rivals had, up to this point, already proven a bit of a farce. Four-hour-long queues on The Pokemon Center websitestill led to disappointment, and products werequickly listed on eBay for a higher price than any other recent expansion.
This increase is just another major disappointment for genuine Pokemon Trading Card Game fans, who have faced nothing but adversity over the last 12 to 18 months.
