Collectors continue to face frustrations as scalpers ruin Pokémon card promotions. The latest chaos erupted in Japan, where a McDonald’s collaboration with Pokémon TCG led to a frenzy. The promotion, featuring limited edition cards bundled with Happy Meals, was supposed to run from August 9th to 11th. However, due to overwhelming demand and stock depletion, the event was cut short, leaving many fans disappointed and streets strewn with uneaten food.
Unlike similar promotions in the U.S., McDonald’s in Japan opted not to sell the Pokémon cards separately, aiming to prevent reselling. Despite this, scalpers still found a way to profit. Happy Meals, priced at 500 yen (around $3.50), were bought in bulk for the cards, which are now selling for about 2,000 yen (approximately $13). This left behind a surplus of unwanted food.
Videos and photos on social media reveal long lines of eager fans and the ensuing mess. Despite a limit of five Happy Meals per customer and requests not to resell, these measures were largely ignored. The waste has sparked criticism from both locals and tourists, highlighting a significant issue of wastefulness.
Before the cards, McDonald’s distributed exclusive toys, which also attracted large crowds, albeit not as intensely as the trading cards. North American retailers have faced similar situations during new card set releases.
In another twist, the mobile game Pokémon TCG Pocket recently faced backlash after players discovered digital cards displaying art without proper credit. The company has since issued an apology and replaced the artwork, ensuring originality.
The appeal of Pokémon partnerships seems to persist despite these challenges, with companies continually drawn to the hype and excitement surrounding the brand.
