The scarcity of certain Pokemon TCG products has once more led to anti-social behaviour, this time in the parking lot of a Costco store in Toronto, Canada.
Originally released in September 2023, Pokemon 151 – a special set dedicated exclusively to the franchise’s first generation of Pokemon introduced in Red & Blue – has proven to be exceptionally popular among collectors and players.
Widespread appeal and heavy scalping resulted in The Pokemon Company producing multiple reprints in an attempt to meet demand, though the surplus has done little to curb interest from resellers.
Brawl breaks out in Costco parking lot
Shared on the Pokemon TCG subreddit on March 16, footage showed one man getting into altercations with others nearby in the parking lot of a Costco. After visibly pushing one man who repeatedly shouted “It’s Pokemon!” at them, the same individual subsequently turned and punched another.
Distancing themselves, the individual recording the feud stepped backward, with multiple Costco customers seen walking into frame, holding several boxes of Pokemon products. It’s unclear from the clip what exactly triggered the exchange to take place.
This is far from the first time physical violence has broken out over Pokemon TCG products. The release of Blooming Waters on February 7, a gift box set containing 151 packs, led to similar occurrences, with one incident taking place within a Costco store itself.
Scalping and squabbles over short-supply products have long been unwanted aspects of the hobby. Following notices of huge stock shortages before Prismatic Evolutions hit shelves on January 17, many independent stores placed strict rules on purchase limits or refused to sell the expansion entirely to avoid such circumstances.
With upcoming set Journey Together expected to be one of the most popular of the Scarlet & Violet era, it could be some time before tensions in the hobby cool off and secondary market prices fall to a more sustainable level.
Source link