Pokémon 30th Anniversary TCG Launch Hits a Disappointing Low

The Pokémon Trading Card Game’s highly anticipated 30th anniversary set is just around the corner, and fans are scrambling to secure their pre-orders or find a place to buy it. Following the success of Walmart’s raffle system, collectors were optimistic that the recently announced drawing at Dick’s Sporting Goods would offer another straightforward way to snag new Pokémon products. However, the sporting goods retailer has rolled out an offer that many find hard to believe.

This drawing, which runs until September 22, 2026, is an app-exclusive promotion that requires users to have an account with the retailer. Winners will be chosen at random and charged automatically once the drawing period ends. Dick’s is limiting purchases to one per product, which seems like a positive move. In contrast, Walmart’s raffle allows multiple purchases, ultimately reducing the number of collectors who can buy the TCG set.

The downside is that Dick’s prices are significantly higher than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. To break it down:

While their prices aren’t as steep as GameStop’s, it’s still concerning when the retailer is selling the $49.99 Elite Trainer Box for a staggering $169.99. Amid the chaos and the growing number of lawn chairs appearing in anticipation of the new set’s release, many fans are likely to succumb to FOMO. There’s a prevailing fear that, similar to other recent popular Pokémon sets, the 30th Anniversary release will be hard to find. Availability will differ by region and retailer, but indications suggest that The Pokémon Company is ramping up production. Early pull rates also hint that, aside from the ultra-rare RGB Mew and Mewtwo cards, players can expect to find hits in this set with relative ease.

While pricing is a major concern for consumers, the issues surrounding this release extend beyond that. Influencers and scalpers have seemingly had access to the new products for weeks. In some particularly outrageous instances, certain online personalities are already opening the Ultra Premium Collection, which isn’t set to release until November 2026. Early card prices have skyrocketed, with even common cards fetching prices far above their expected value. This trend is typical with new TCG releases, but it’s especially pronounced for the 30th anniversary set. As rumors circulate that early availability is due to theft, eBay has taken the unprecedented step of halting early sales of Pokémon products on its platform.

The situation may stabilize once everyday collectors can walk into any store and purchase the new products. For now, Dick’s pricing for the new Pokémon set is firmly in scalper territory. If you’re still interested in participating in Dick’s offer, you can download the app and create an account. Once you’re in, just scroll down the main page to find the 30th anniversary Pokémon widget.

Pokémon fans now have a new, hassle-free way to buy 30th anniversary Elite Trainer Boxes.