Pokémon Skateboards Hit the Market, Quickly Snatched Up by Scalpers

On October 17, Santa Cruz launched a series of blind bags featuring skateboard decks adorned with some of the most iconic artwork from the Pokémon Trading Card Game. These bags include classic cards like the base-set Charizard alongside newer favorites such as the “Moonbreon” from Evolving Skies, all randomly packed. However, if you’re eager to snag one, you might be out of luck finding them in stores.

There are a total of 30 unique decks, including three rare “chase” designs in golden foil, with only 500 of each produced worldwide. These skateboards aren’t just oversized versions of the cards; the designs creatively extend beyond the original artwork, often embodying the elemental spirit of the Pokémon. For instance, the Blastoise deck features dynamic water wave graphics.

Similar to the cards they represent, these Santa Cruz blind bags are flying off the shelves, thanks to a mix of enthusiastic collectors and opportunistic scalpers. Priced at $139.99 retail, the boards quickly escalate in price on resale platforms. Less sought-after designs can start around $250, while popular Eeveelution or starter designs can reach around $1,500. The rare chase boards, showcasing a collage of multiple cards, are listed for between $5,000 and $9,000.

To put it in perspective, you could likely buy several of the rare cards featured on these boards and still have money left over. It’s wild, but that’s the current state of the Pokémon market.

If you’re looking to get your hands on one, you have a couple of options. You can sign up for restock alerts on the official Santa Cruz website or use the site’s tool to locate a nearby skate shop that stocks the boards. However, most of these shops are likely already sold out.

According to various restock Discord servers, there’s a chance that The Pokémon Center might release a new batch of Santa Cruz skateboards on Monday, but there’s no certainty. This drop could coincide with the highly anticipated 30th Anniversary Ultra Premium Collection. Whatever the case, scalpers are undoubtedly prepared with their bots. Expect long wait times for drops from TPC, while the official Santa Cruz site may experience connection issues or sell out in an instant.

Good luck out there, trainers.