GameStop’s Price Hike on Pokémon Cards Mirrors Scalper Tactics

The ongoing Pokémon TCG price bubble has been a hot topic for over a year now, highlighting the outrageous scalping and resale markets, the intense competition among collectors, and even alarming incidents of armed robberies. Unfortunately, there’s no sign of this frenzy slowing down. Many are cashing in on the chaos, including the well-known gaming retailer GameStop. Reports indicate that the chain, notorious for its inflated prices on Pokémon TCG products, is raising prices even further.

Like most retail items, Pokémon TCG packs and collection boxes come with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). While these prices aren’t mandatory, they are typically followed in competitive markets where customers can easily shop around. The MSRP for a new pack of Pokémon TCG cards has recently increased to $4.49, up from the previous $3.99, a change that has been in effect for a couple of years. Finding a pack of the latest set has become increasingly difficult since around November 2024.

With scalpers stripping shelves bare, GameStop has leveraged its buying power and the lack of alternatives to justify selling packs at significantly higher prices. In addition to its ventures into cryptocurrency, GameStop has shifted its focus toward products like the Pokémon TCG. Reports suggest that the retailer has been experimenting with pricing, including raising collection box prices by as much as $10 at the beginning of last year. However, that increase pales in comparison to current prices.

By November 2025, GameStop was charging $7 for a single sleeved pack, which typically retails for $5, while a booster box of 36 packs, with an MSRP of $143.64, was being sold for an outrageous $239.99. A GameStop employee on Reddit hinted that prices are set to rise even more, stating, “Wait till you see the price changes printout. What are we doing?”

With the upcoming release of the latest set, Perfect Order, on March 29, we’ll soon discover just how high GameStop believes it can push prices. Rumors suggest that Elite Trainer Boxes, usually priced between $50 and $60, could be listed closer to $100 this time around.

This is undoubtedly price gouging. GameStop is capitalizing on the hype, employing what amounts to dynamic pricing. This practice is not much different from scalping, especially since GameStop hasn’t had to pay higher prices to acquire the products from The Pokémon Company International. The only real solution to both GameStop’s questionable practices and the broader issue is for collectors to stop purchasing Pokémon cards altogether, though there’s little indication that anyone is willing to take that step. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the Pokémon card collecting hobby without buying new products, there are still options available.