GameStop has once again adjusted the prices for its upcoming Pokémon 30th-anniversary trading card game set, escalating costs for consumers. This move follows an initial price increase in early July and a subsequent surge in market prices for the collector's items. The retailer's updated pricing guidance for its stores has reportedly influenced other card shops to also inflate their pre-order costs.
The Elite Trainer Box (ETB), originally with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49.99, was first listed by GameStop at $129.99. Following widespread public outcry, which saw social media posts about the pricing reach over a million views, GameStop further increased the price to $169.99. This represents a markup of approximately 340% from the MSRP. Similarly, the $600 Ultimate Premium Collection (UPC), initially marked up by 500%, has also seen price adjustments, though specific new figures for this item were not detailed, only that more popular products like the Booster Bundle increased by $10.
Despite the steep prices, GameStop employees report that pre-orders for the anniversary set remain strong. One employee noted their store had 10 pre-orders for the $600 UPC and 20 for the $180 ETB. Another worker shared that their location had already secured 19 pre-orders for the $169.99 product, requiring an $85 deposit.
The inflationary trend is not confined to GameStop. On platforms like TCGPlayer, the market price for the same ETB is listed at $284, with a median price of $301, and the cheapest available listing at $199. The UPC's market price has reached $1,148, with the lowest available listing at $877. These figures suggest that GameStop's current prices, while high, are comparatively lower than many other market vendors. This dynamic provides GameStop with incentives to continue raising prices as the September 16 release date approaches and consumer demand, coupled with market prices, indicates continued sales potential.