The recent Pokémon 30th Anniversary TCG set has become a point of contention for resellers, with many reportedly facing significant financial losses and expressing extreme frustration. While collectors are celebrating the set's generous pull rates, particularly the prevalence of illustration cards, a vocal segment of the reseller community appears to be in distress.
Viral posts circulating from various Discord servers depict resellers lamenting their investment decisions. One widely shared message claims that the reseller paid individuals to wait in line for the 30th Anniversary Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), offering them a share of the profits or a flat fee per box, only to face losses of approximately $150 per ETB at current market prices. Another post suggests considering legal action against The Pokémon Company, citing a lack of transparency regarding print numbers and pull rates, and even hinting at potential RICO violations.
While Polygon cannot independently verify the authenticity of all these posts, they align with sentiments observed within numerous Pokémon restock Discord servers. A reporter noted instances of resellers becoming agitated after discovering the market value of certain cards, such as a Gengar Prime Classic Collection card, was lower than their expectations. This led to disappointment and criticism of the set's pull rates.
The Pokémon TCG collecting hobby has evolved significantly, with a strong emphasis on card value rather than the Pokémon themselves. Many popular TCG videos focus on pack openings solely for the potential for high-value cards, with less emphasis placed on the artwork or the Pokémon featured. This market-driven approach has attracted attention from the fine art world and prominent figures, highlighting the financial aspect of the hobby.
Many resellers had anticipated substantial profits from the 30th Anniversary set, especially after GameStop announced its $99 ETBs. However, the current market value for these items, and the perceived low return on investment for some, has led to widespread disappointment among those who invested heavily, sometimes reportedly with funds acquired through credit card debt. The financial fallout for these resellers has become a prominent, and for many, a humorous, aspect of the current Pokémon TCG landscape.