Pokémon Takes on Resellers with Ultra-Rare Card (Likely to Be Resold)

One of the standout Pokémon cards this year is undoubtedly the newly unveiled Mega Gallade special illustration card, crafted by the talented artist Akira Egawa. However, don’t get too carried away with excitement just yet. The Pokémon Company is only producing a limited number of these Gallade cards, and fans eager to snag one will have to navigate a few challenges.

As noted by an outlet, this card serves as a promotional release for a Japanese Pokémon TCG set called Storm Emeralda, which features stadiums divided into two separate cards.

There are two main avenues to obtain this card. The first involves participating in a themed tournament where players must build a deck primarily using cards from the Storm Emeralda set. Those who manage to win three matches will receive the Gallade card by mail starting in December 2026. Essentially, you’ll need to showcase your skills in the Pokémon trading card game, which can be a hurdle for many new collectors.

The second option is to submit a personal account to TPC detailing your experience playing the Emeralda set with friends and family at home. While skill isn’t a requirement here, you’ll need to invest some time thinking about the game. From the submissions, 2,000 individuals will be randomly chosen to receive the card.

However, there’s a catch: fans must verify their identity using My Number Card, Japan’s ID system, to apply. Earlier this year, The Pokémon Company announced that it would require ID for card purchases at official Pokémon Center stores, aiming to provide all customers with equal opportunities and ensure a safe shopping experience.

In essence, The Pokémon Company is focused on giving genuine fans a chance to acquire cards, steering clear of scalpers and bots. This ID requirement is being extended to other official events as well, reflecting the company’s commitment to rewarding loyal fans.

Ironically, the allure and scarcity of the Mega Gallade card may lead some fans to resell it. According to TCGPlayer, cards associated with events like this can fetch thousands of dollars, but the supply is significantly limited.

While the government ID requirement might seem stringent, fans outside Japan are urging TPC to broaden the program. The current landscape for purchasing Pokémon cards can be quite frustrating. Popular products like Ascended Heroes booster bundles have seen price increases recently.