For decades, Pokémon cards have brought joy to kids, nostalgic adults, and competitive players alike. But in recent years, the hobby has been overshadowed by a frustrating and harmful trend: scalping. This practice—where individuals or groups buy up large quantities of products at retail prices only to resell them at inflated markups—has turned a beloved pastime into a battleground. Scalping doesn’t just inconvenience fans; it creates artificial scarcity, drives up costs, and erodes the sense of community that makes collecting so special.
As we step into 2026, scalping remains a hot-button issue, though there are glimmers of hope. In this post, we’ll explore the current state of Pokémon card scalping and, more importantly, how you can avoid contributing to the problem.
What is Pokemon Card Scalping, and Why Does It Matter?
Scalping thrives on exploiting limited supply to create artificial demand. Scalpers use bots, fake accounts, and even coordinated groups to snatch up products from stores or online drops, flipping them on secondary markets like eBay or Facebook Marketplace for double—or even triple—the price.
The problem reached a boiling point in 2025, with widespread shortages leading to empty shelves, frustrated fans, and even physical altercations in stores. The fallout? Kids missed out on birthday gifts, collectors struggled to complete sets, and the hobby began to feel gatekept by profit-driven opportunists.
But scalping isn’t just about cards—it’s about the community. It erodes trust and fosters resentment. Take, for example, the recent bust in Tokyo, where police arrested a Vietnamese national who used over 500 fake accounts and illegal SIM cards to bypass purchase limits on Pokémon Center Online. The individual hoarded 30 booster boxes and profited over ¥4.2 million (about $28,000 USD). Similar stories have surfaced worldwide, from the Philippines—where scalpers cleared out toys bundled with free TCG packs—to the U.S., where retailers like GameStop have faced backlash for pre-selling items at scalper-level prices.
The Current State of Scalping in 2026
If 2025 was a nightmare for collectors, 2026 offers a mixed bag of progress. The Pokémon Company has announced plans to “saturate the market” by increasing production, aiming to make cards more accessible and undercut scalpers’ profits. Early signs suggest this strategy is working: sealed product prices are dropping, and some scalpers are exiting the scene as profit margins shrink.
However, scalping hasn’t disappeared. Reports still surface of elderly couples flipping stock at card shows or stores facing backlash for mishandling inventory. Market analysts describe the situation as a “correction” rather than a full crash—while some cards have dipped 20% or more in value, high-demand items still command premiums. Forums and videos question whether increased supply is too little, too late, as the damage to fan trust lingers. Despite enforcement efforts and policy changes, scalping continues to cast a shadow over the hobby.
The Real Impacts on the Pokemon Community
Scalping’s effects ripple far beyond frustration. Here’s how it harms the community:
- Accessibility for New Fans: Kids and beginners face barriers when sets sell out instantly, discouraging growth in the TCG community. The focus should be on art, gameplay, and Pokémon lore—not resale value.
- Economic Strain: Inflated prices make collecting unaffordable, pushing fans toward counterfeit cards or giving up entirely. In extreme cases, it even leads to fraud, like the SIM card schemes in Japan.
- Community Division: Trading, once a magical and social experience, now feels tainted by greed. As one collector lamented, “It’s sad when cards are valued solely for money, not the Pokémon themselves.”
- Broader Effects: Retailers face backlash, and the hobby risks losing its wholesome, inclusive vibe. Even other TCGs, like One Piece, are seeing spillover scalping.
How You Can Help Stop Scalping
The good news? Individual actions can make a difference. Whether you’re a collector, trader, or casual fan, here’s how you can contribute positively without feeding the scalpers:
Buy Responsibility and at MSRP
Stick to official retailers like Pokémon Center, local game stores (LGS), or trusted websites. Avoid secondary markets unless prices are fair. Pre-order from legitimate sources, and report suspicious overpricing (e.g., GameStop’s $100 preorders for $50 items). Support The Pokémon Company’s increased supply by waiting for restocks instead of panic-buying.
Don’t Flip for Profit
If you snag extras, trade or gift them to friends or community members at cost. Collect for enjoyment, not investment. As markets cool, flipping becomes less viable anyway—focus on building your personal collection.
Support Local and Ethical Sellers
Shop at LGS events or Pokémon League meets. These venues often limit purchases per person, curbing scalpers. Plus, they foster community—play games, make trades, and keep the hobby social.
Report and Raise Awareness
Spot a scalper bot or bulk buyer? Alert store staff or share intel on platforms like Reddit’s r/PokemonTCG. On social media, call out bad practices (without doxxing). Join discussions to push for better policies.
Diversify Your Hobby
Explore digital options like Pokémon TCG Live for gameplay without physical scarcity. Or collect alternatives like fan art or merch that aren’t as heavily scalped. Remember, the true value lies in the fun, not the resale.
By making these choices, you’re helping reclaim the hobby for genuine fans. Scalpers thrive on demand—if we starve them of buyers, they’ll move on.
A Brighter Future for Pokemon Collectors?
Scalping in 2026 is showing signs of easing, thanks to production boosts and enforcement efforts. But real change starts with us—the community. By prioritizing joy over profit and fostering inclusivity, we can rebuild trust and make the hobby magical again.
What’s your experience with scalping? How are you fighting back? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going and the community thriving.
