Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together & The Artificial Shortage Hurting Local Game Stores

The Pokémon TCG Boom – An Era of Excitement and Frustration

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has seen an unprecedented resurgence in popularity over the past few years. Whether it’s nostalgia-driven collectors, competitive players, or Pokémon fans diving into the world of trading cards, demand for Pokémon TCG products has skyrocketed.

But while excitement around Pokémon cards remains higher than ever, local game stores are facing an increasing battle against artificial product shortages—a trend largely influenced by distributors controlling supply.

As Pokémon TCG prepares for the release of Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together, collectors and store owners alike are wondering:

• Will this set be accessible to everyone?

• How is distributor manipulation affecting small game shops?

• What can players do to support local stores instead of scalpers?

In this article, we’ll explore the newest Pokémon TCG expansion, the artificial TCG shortages, and how stores like Got Game Family Arcade are navigating these challenges.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together (Newest Release Overview)

The Pokémon TCG continues to evolve with Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together, the latest expansion set bringing new Pokémon, Trainer cards, and mechanics to the game.

Key Features of Journey Together:

1. Legendary Pokémon Showcase

This set introduces powerful new Legendary Pokémon, including:🔥 Ogerpon – The masked Pokémon taking the spotlight with Terastal abilities🌊 Terapagos – A crucial Pokémon from The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC

2. Terastal Pokémon EX Mechanics

The Terastal mechanic continues to reshape competitive play, offering new strategic depth. These Pokémon have unique type-shifting abilities, allowing players to adjust matchups on the fly.

3. Trainer & Stadium Cards

Several new Trainer and Stadium cards are expected to shake up the competitive meta, giving both casual and competitive players exciting deck-building opportunities.

4. Stunning Full Art & Secret Rares

Collectors will be chasing after alternate-art Pokémon EX cards, new illustration rares, and gold secret rares featuring fan-favorite Pokémon.

The TCG Supply Problem: Artificial Shortages & Distributor Manipulation

While Pokémon TCG sets like Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together generate massive hype, many collectors and local game stores face a growing issue: limited product availability due to artificial shortages created by distributors.

What’s Causing the Shortage?

The Pokémon Company prints millions of booster packs and boxes for each new expansion, but despite this, products still sell out instantly. Here’s why:

1. Distributors Withholding Supply from Local Stores

• Large-scale distributors, who act as middlemen between The Pokémon Company and retail stores, often limit supply to small, independent game shops.

• Instead of evenly distributing stock, they prioritize big-box retailers like Walmart and Target, leaving local stores with minimal inventory.

• Some distributors artificially restrict supply to create demand spikes, allowing them to charge premium prices later.

2. The Rise of TCG Scalping & Flippers

• Limited availability fuels scalping, where resellers buy up stock in bulk and sell it at inflated prices on eBay, TCGPlayer, and StockX.

• Players who simply want to build decks or complete collections end up paying double or triple MSRP due to artificial scarcity.

3. Overpricing Booster Boxes & Cases

• Distributors often raise wholesale prices on new sets, forcing local stores to sell at higher prices to stay competitive.

• MSRP might be $120 for a booster box, but local game stores often can’t get inventory at a fair price—or they are forced to buy in bundles with lower-demand products.

4. Direct-to-Consumer Sales by Pokémon Company

• The Pokémon Center online store has started selling exclusive boxes and booster packs directly to consumers.

• While this benefits online buyers, it hurts local game stores, as they now have to compete directly with Pokémon’s own retail model.

How This Affects Local Game Stores Like Got Game Family Arcade

At Got Game Family Arcade, we strive to provide Pokémon fans with fair access to TCG products, tournaments, and community play. However, these distribution challenges create real obstacles for local game shops like ours.

1. Limited Access to New Sets

When stores can’t order enough product, it becomes difficult to:

• Keep booster packs and boxes in stock at fair prices

• Run Pokémon TCG events with sufficient prize support

• Offer affordable singles and trade-in options

2. Higher Wholesale Prices Hurt Customers

If distributors charge higher-than-usual wholesale prices, small shops must:

• Increase booster box and pack prices just to break even

• Compete against scalpers and online-only sellers

• Face potential customer frustration over limited supply

3. Harder to Grow Local Pokémon Communities

One of the biggest benefits of local game stores is the community experience—hosting Pokémon TCG tournaments, deck-building workshops, and trade nights. But when we can’t get enough product, it becomes harder to:

• Host pre-release events with enough packs for all players

• Offer prize support without raising entry fees

• Attract new players who want consistent Pokémon TCG stock

How Players Can Support Local Game Stores Instead of Scalpers

If you’re frustrated with Pokémon TCG shortages, there are ways to help your local game store rather than feeding the scalper market.

1. Pre-Order Directly from Local Stores

Many local shops, including Got Game Family Arcade, offer pre-orders for upcoming sets. Pre-ordering from a small shop ensures your money supports the local gaming community.

2. Avoid Scalper Pricing on eBay & Resale Sites

If a booster box MSRP is $120, but resellers are listing it for $250, wait or buy directly from a trusted game store.

3. Participate in Local Events

By attending Pokémon TCG tournaments and trade nights, you’re helping stores build a stronger Pokémon community, making it easier for them to get future stock.

4. Support Local Trade & Singles Markets

Instead of buying single cards on eBay, check if your local store sells and trades singles. This helps keep money in the local gaming economy.

Final Thoughts – The Pokémon TCG Future & Supporting Small Shops

With Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together releasing soon, collectors and players are eager to experience the newest cards and mechanics. However, the ongoing artificial scarcity of TCG products continues to hurt local game stores and fair access to cards.

By supporting small shops like Got Game Family Arcade, players can help fight against scalper pricing, build strong local Pokémon communities, and ensure future Pokémon TCG accessibility for all.

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