By Dexerto | Created at 2026-08-07 13:42:16 | Updated at 2026-08-07 17:31:10
6 hours ago
Pokemon TCG has had a major problem with scalpers for years now, with different companies taking drastic action to combat the problem. Well, The Pokemon Company has introduced a new measure by limiting certain packs to Japanese citizens.
Whether it’s fans rushing different stores, buying up as much product as possible before other fans get the chance, or queuing up for hours to get a certain item first, scalpers are always using different techniques to ensure they can buy a product and sell it for more on other sites.
Naturally, many companies have been focusing on preventing this by cutting the seals on boxes or limiting the number of items you can buy. Well, now The Pokemon Company has implemented a brand new idea, restricting certain TCG packs to solely Japanese citizens.
The Pokemon Company limits four new sets to Japan citizens only
Previously, it was revealed that Pokemon would require a Japanese ID card to purchase certain packs in the future. Now those packs have been announced, and all of them are part of the hyped 30th Anniversary Celebration series scheduled to go live in September.
The sets that can only be purchased by a Japanese citizen are:
- Pokemon Card Game Mega Expansion Pack 30th Celebration Box (7,200 yen / $46)
- Pokemon Card Game Mega 30th Celebration Futuristic Box (27,500 yen / $173)
- Pokemon Card Game Mega 30th Celebration Espeon and Umbreon Premium Deck Set (6,200 yen / $39)
- Pokemon Card Game Mega 30th Celebration Card Set (9-type complete set) (10,800 yen / $68)
Of course, all the other 30th Celebration sets will be available for those outside of Japan, but it seems they’re limiting some key boxes and sets to avoid scalping as best as they can.
Pre-orders for the items open on August 10 for the Pokemon Card Game Mega Expansion Pack 30th Celebration Box, 30th Celebration Futuristic Box, and 30th Celebration Espeon and Umbreon Premium Deck Set with a slated shipping date of September 15. The preorder date for the Pokemon Card Game Mega 30th Celebration Card Sets is August 28, with a release date of October 15.
