Pokémon TCG 30th Anniversary expansion disrupts retail and resale markets

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is seeing significant market shifts following the release of its 30th Anniversary expansion and the upcoming Mega Evolution – Delta Domain set, scheduled for November 6, 2026.

The 30th Anniversary collection has caused widespread disruption in retail environments, particularly in the United States. Reports indicate intense competition for stock, leading to long queues, physical altercations, and even a police intervention at a Target in Connecticut after a reseller was detained following a fight that injured a child.

However, the expansion appears to have disrupted the secondary market for scalpers. Due to increased product availability and more generous pull rates for rare cards, resale prices for most high-end cards have remained below 200 euros, significantly lower than previous sets. Only a few specific Mew-themed cards continue to command prices in the thousands of dollars. This strategy by The Pokémon Company seems to favor collectors by making rare cards more accessible, while reducing the profit margins typically sought by resellers.