Palworld’s New Trading Card Game Sells Out Fast Amid Scalper Issues

Palworld seems to be fully committed to its Pokémon-inspired concept, as evidenced by the recent launch of its real-world trading card game, which is currently facing issues with scalpers and is nearly impossible to find in stores. This level of dedication is impressive. In contrast to the slow and often ineffective responses from The Pokémon Company regarding its own scalper problems, the creators of Palworld’s TCG have quickly issued apologies and are promising updates on how they plan to tackle the situation.

The Palworld: Official Card Game (POCG) debuted its first set, Dawn of Palpagos, on July 30 this year. This two-player game, developed by Bushiroad, stays true to the “Pokémon with guns” theme, blending combat with resource gathering, base-building, and unique mechanics.

Unsurprisingly, the game has gained significant popularity. The initial set of any trading card game tends to attract collectors, especially since it will be the most sought-after in years to come. However, the demand has outstripped supply, leading to frustration within the community due to scalpers and shortages. This prompted an apology from the official Palworld card game account.

The post expresses sincere regret over the ongoing shortages, which have prevented eager fans from getting their hands on the product. This kind of response took The Pokémon Company several months to issue.

Bushiroad has stated that they are exploring ways to ensure the product reaches a broader audience and will provide updates on their plans soon, reiterating their apologies.

One immediate step includes a restock in Japan, where the cards will be sold at pop-up stores without shrink wrap. This approach aims to deter scalpers, as buying new TCG cards without shrink wrap is generally not advisable unless purchased directly from the creators. Just a day after the TCG’s launch, Palworld cards were reportedly selling for as much as $4,000. Currently, English-language booster boxes, which have a suggested retail price of around $50, are listed on eBay starting at $160 and often nearing $200.

Initial reviews of POCG have been positive, although many of the reviews found on competing gaming sites are marked as paid advertisements, cleverly disguised so that they might go unnoticed. Still, the game appears to feature some intriguing mechanics, distinguishing it from the Pokémon TCG. Unfortunately, it seems to be sold out everywhere I’ve checked, making it difficult to experience it firsthand.