GameStop takes the initiative to give everyone a fair chance for new Pokémon TCG products.
A few days before the scheduled release of Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals, GameStop has announced limits for each customer purchase to one unit per SKU so that all of their buyers can gain access to the products of the new set.
Sleeved booster packs in GameStop, however, will retain their previously imposed limit of five per customer.
Community divided over GameStop’s Pokémon TCG purchase limit
GameStop, one of the largest gaming merchandise retailers in the US and Canada, is currently implementing countermeasures to hinder scalpers from draining their stocks quickly. A May 21 article by Polygon stated GameStop employees have seen lines of alleged scalpers trying to get ahead of other customers, with some even setting up camps outside stores.
Scalping is an ongoing concern among the Pokémon TCG community since it creates an artificial scarcity of Pokémon cards, driving up resell prices after shops are raided hours after officially opening for the day.
![Scalpers lined up for hours, even days early to buy out a store's Pokémon TCG stock. (Image via GameStop [<a href="https://x.com/gamestop/status/1923233539006357668">X/Twitter</a>])](https://admin.esports.gg/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Campers-outside-a-GameStop-store.jpg)
Related articles
Based on their official announcement, the retailer’s new rule allows an individual to only buy one type of product for a specific set. This means that if you visit GameStop on Destined Rivals’ launch day, you’ll be limited to purchasing just one Booster Bundle and, if your budget allows, one Elite Trainer Box as well.
Some X/Twitter users commented that scalpers can still get a workaround for this rule, such as bringing family members to buy with them or going to multiple GameStop locations.
Others noted that while the limit could help curb bulk buying, it might also unintentionally impact genuine collectors, especially since Destined Rivals features a large lineup of cards from two Japanese sets: Hot Wind Arena and The Glory of Team Rocket.
Pokemon TCG: Destined Rivals will become available in card stores like GameStop on May 30, 2025. The set will mostly feature Team Rocket Pokémon, as well as other Pokémon associated with some well-known Trainers in the franchise, such as Steven, Ethan, Cynthia, Marnie, and Arven.
Some of the most anticipated cards in the set are the Special Illustration copies of Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex, Giovanni’s Mewtwo ex, and Cynthia’s Garchomp ex.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest news and guides on Pokémon TCG.
