Pokémon's 30th Anniversary Cards Sell Out Fast, Sparking Long Lines
Pokémon turned 30 and decided the appropriate celebration was grown adults camping outside Target.
The highly anticipated Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration collection arrived September 16th, bringing special cards, plenty of nostalgia, and some seriously long lines.
And it didn't take long for stores to start selling out. If you missed the first rush, though, don’t worry. The hunt isn't over.
Pokémon's 30th Anniversary Cards Sell Out in Stores
Pokémon’s 30th Celebration collection started selling out quickly after its worldwide release on Wednesday. Fans lined up for hours outside Target and Best Buy, while products also sold out on Pokémon’s website.
The scene was particularly impressive at a Target in Reno. One collector started waiting at 4 pm the day before release. By the time the store opened at 8 am, the line had grown to about 100 people.
That store's supply was gone within minutes. It seems we should never underestimate the power of Pikachu.
What's Everyone Trying to Get?
The Pokémon TCG 30th anniversary cards aren't just another expansion.
According to the company, the collection is celebrating three decades of the trading card game with new artwork, returning favorites, and a new Futuristic rare category.
Every booster pack comes with five foil cards, plus a foil Basic Energy card. There are also 30 different Pikachu cards to collect, with each one featuring a special 30th-anniversary design.
Some of the Rare Cards Are Quite Expensive
Naturally, collectors have already started chasing down the Pokémon 30th anniversary rare cards. Mew and Mewtwo are heading the new Futuristic rare category with artwork from Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN.
And the early prices are a little bonkers. One Mew ex card sold on eBay after being listed for $699.99.
Other trackers have listed the Mew ex Futuristic Rare at even higher prices, but those early numbers can change as new cards hit the market.
So, if you're searching for the Pokémon Mew ex card price today, don't get too attached to one number. Tomorrow may have other ideas.
Walmart Is Trying Something Different
If standing outside a store before sunrise doesn't sound like your preferred Wednesday morning activity, Walmart offered another option.
They used a drawing system for several 30th Celebration products, including:
Elite Trainer Box
Poster Collection
Tech Sticker Collection
Pokémon ex Box Bundle
The Walmart Pokémon card drawing allowed shoppers to enter for the opportunity to buy the products, rather than racing to click checkout before everything sold out.
The September 16th drawings have since closed, but Walmart's drawing page is worth watching for future collectible releases.
At the very least, you won’t have to bring a camping chair.
More Pokémon Products Are Still Coming
Here's the good news if you struck out on release day. September 16th was only the beginning. Pokémon has more 30th Celebration products scheduled to drop throughout the fall, including more releases in October, November, and December.
One of the biggest ones will arrive on November 6th, when the 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection joins the party.
Even though the first round disappeared remarkably fast, Pokémon's 30th birthday celebration wasn't a one-day affair. There are quite a few more chances coming.
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