Pokémon TCG’s latest set releases are rolling out steadily, but there’s a twist.

Before the Pokémon 30th Anniversary collection took the trading card scene by storm, Ascended Heroes was the standout set that collectors were clamoring for. Due to its age, finding Ascended Heroes cards has always been a challenge compared to newer sets, including the 30th Anniversary collection. However, there are a couple of recent exceptions that require both membership and a bit of patience for fans to take advantage of.

In recent weeks, warehouse retailers like Sam’s Club and Costco have seen a surge in Ascended Heroes products. Sam’s Club has introduced an exclusive Ascended Heroes Focused Fighters box, which includes four promo cards and 14 packs for an impressive price of $54.98. In contrast, other retailers often sell recent Ascended Heroes tins with four packs at prices above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Stores like Target and Best Buy typically charge between five and six dollars per pack for the same set, while local card shops are increasingly marking up prices, sometimes doubling the MSRP.

At Sam’s Club, the price breaks down to just under four dollars per pack, making it a fantastic deal.

Recently, customers at Sam’s Club have also noticed drops for three different versions of an AH Elite Trainer Box, bundled with an extra Poké Ball, totaling 12 packs for $54.76.

Costco has also been consistently releasing Ascended Heroes products. Some locations have received a bundle of five mini-tins (10 packs total) for $76.49. Additionally, they’ve been stocking ETBs of the set priced at $42.99, which is a rare find below the MSRP of $49.99.

These savings are significant, especially for members of either store. However, there’s a catch: both retailers are releasing these products sporadically rather than all at once. Your local store might have several pallets of Ascended Heroes available right now. Data from restock Discord servers and Facebook groups indicates that Sam’s Club and Costco are controlling the timing of these drops, making them available at random times throughout the day. Both stores are also receiving multiple shipment waves, with some expected during the week of October 12.

This strategy seems designed to deter scalpers from camping out for scheduled drops. Previous releases have faced issues like fights and customers ignoring purchase limits. Even with this new approach, scalpers are still likely to wait outside for hours, and some resellers have connections with employees who can tip them off about drops. New stock tends to vanish within 30 minutes, but by randomizing the release of Pokémon products, Costco and Sam’s Club provide everyday collectors a better chance to snag a TCG drop. Many of these releases are occurring on weekends, and anecdotal evidence suggests a broader range of people are finding success without having to wait outside the store at dawn.

To stay updated on drops, consider joining a regional group on social media platforms. And, of course, it’s always wise to check in at nearby stores whenever possible. With realistic expectations, you might just stumble upon a hidden gem.

The upcoming release of the Ultra Premium Collection is set to be a tough time for all Pokémon TCG fans.