Scalpers have been the bane of hobbyists' existence for the longest time, but trading card games (TCGs) have felt it most. Whether you are collecting a single type of card or completing a master set, if there is money to be made you can be sure that scalpers will also be there to ruin your fun. Well, The Pokemon Company has decided enough is enough and made the 30th Anniversary sets exclusive to the Japanese market.
Yes, you heard that right. While other retailers have tried opening boxes early or capping how many items customers can buy, The Pokemon Company is taking a more direct approach. Ahead of the highly anticipated anniversary sets, some packs are now restricted to Japanese buyers only, verified through a Japanese ID. Here are the items affected:
While there are other 30th Celebration sets that will be available globally, this restriction is enforced to keep scalpers out of the premium sets.
But for those who have Japanese friends that could buy their sets for them, pre-orders for the first three sets open on August 10, with shipping slated for September 15. As for the card set, pre-orders open on August 28, with a release date of October 15. So, if you have the means and want to collect these highly sought-after cards, you can buy them on these dates.
Yes, you heard that right. While other retailers have tried opening boxes early or capping how many items customers can buy, The Pokemon Company is taking a more direct approach. Ahead of the highly anticipated anniversary sets, some packs are now restricted to Japanese buyers only, verified through a Japanese ID. Here are the items affected:
- Pokemon Card Game Mega Expansion Pack 30th Celebration Box (7,200 yen / $46 / ₱2769.42)
- Pokemon Card Game Mega 30th Celebration Futuristic Box (27,500 yen / $173/ ₱10577.66)
- Pokemon Card Game Mega 30th Celebration Espeon and Umbreon Premium Deck Set (6,200 yen / $39/ ₱2384.78)
- Pokemon Card Game Mega 30th Celebration Card Set (9-type complete set) (10,800 yen / $68/ ₱4154.14)
While there are other 30th Celebration sets that will be available globally, this restriction is enforced to keep scalpers out of the premium sets.
But for those who have Japanese friends that could buy their sets for them, pre-orders for the first three sets open on August 10, with shipping slated for September 15. As for the card set, pre-orders open on August 28, with a release date of October 15. So, if you have the means and want to collect these highly sought-after cards, you can buy them on these dates.
