Walmart is implementing a new Collectibles Drawing system designed to mitigate the difficulties associated with purchasing sought-after Pokémon card sets online. This new system, which debuted earlier in August, will be used for Pokémon card sales starting Monday, August 31. Previously, customers attempting to buy Pokémon TCG products from Walmart faced long queues and frequent stock shortages, often outmaneuvered by bots and scalpers.
The Collectibles Drawing system allows customers to sign up for a chance to purchase limited items within a specified time period. Following the sign-up window, Walmart will randomly select participants who will then be given the opportunity to buy the product. This automated process requires users to have a Walmart account with a saved billing profile. Purchases made through the drawing system are final and non-refundable.
For its inaugural Pokémon card drawing, Walmart is offering the Eevee-themed Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box for $69.99. This set is currently reselling for more than double its retail price and is anticipated to increase in value further after 2027 when it is expected to go out of print. The retailer has also indicated that other popular sets, such as Ascended Heroes, may be offered through the drawing system in the future.
The drawing for the Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box opened for sign-ups at 6:00 p.m. PDT on August 31 and was expected to remain open for a couple of hours. Selected customers will receive an email confirmation for their order. Walmart's traditional online product drops are still expected to occur later in the week.