Walmart Unveils Enhanced Pokémon Card Set Sales

Buying Pokémon cards online can be a challenge, but trying to snag them from Walmart has become a real test of patience for fans. Despite the retailer restocking frequently, many trainers find themselves waiting in long queues only to walk away empty-handed. Starting Monday, August 31, Walmart is rolling out a new drawing system aimed at making the process fairer for everyone.

This Collectibles Drawing system was introduced earlier in August, but this week marks its debut for Pokémon card sales. Customers can enter a drawing during a designated time frame, and once it closes, Walmart will randomly select participants to purchase the items. The number of items available will be predetermined, and while the exact limits are still under wraps, Walmart typically offers more than other retailers.

Participants in this Pokémon lottery will allow Walmart to place an order on their behalf automatically. This means you’ll need a Walmart account with a saved billing profile, and keep in mind that purchases made through this system are non-refundable. However, this is a significant upgrade from the usual chaos of Walmart’s Wednesday drops. Unlike before, users won’t be at a disadvantage against scalpers and bots that pounce the moment items go live. While scalpers can still create multiple accounts to boost their chances, those accounts would have been in the mix under the old system as well.

Walmart is also aware of what Pokémon fans are after. For the first drawing, they’re offering a $69.99 Eevee-themed Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box, which is currently reselling for more than double that price. The value is expected to skyrocket after 2027 when the Prismatic set goes out of print. Additionally, Walmart has been promoting its new system with a banner featuring the popular Ascended Heroes set, suggesting those boxes may be available soon.

The first Pokémon drawing opens for sign-ups at 6:00 p.m. PDT and will run for a few hours. If you’re selected, you’ll receive an email confirmation for your order. Walmart’s regular online drop is still anticipated to happen later this week.

You can sign up for the August 31 Prismatic Drawing now. Here’s hoping that The Pokémon Center adopts a similar system for the 30th-anniversary set!

Maybe collectors will finally have a shot at getting UPCs and ETBs!