Scalping
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The Pokémon Company Considers Government ID Check to Combat Trading Card Scalping in Japan
The Pokémon Company is considering implementing a government ID verification system in Japan, utilizing the "My Number" card, to combat scalping and cheating in its Trading Card Game products and events.
Japan: Pokemon Company considering authentication via government IDs to battle TCG scalping
The Pokemon Company is considering implementing government ID verification, specifically Japan's My Number Card, to combat scalping of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. This system would authenticate user accounts for priority product lotteries, online sales, and participation in official events within Japan, aiming to prevent inflated prices by requiring official identity checks.
Pokémon Company Considers Using Government ID To Tackle TCG Scalping
The Pokémon Company is considering implementing a system that requires government-issued identification, such as Japan's My Number Card, to purchase certain Trading Card Game products and register for events. This measure aims to combat scalping and ensure fair access for all customers, with the potential rollout starting in August 2026. While individual ID numbers will not be stored, fans are encouraged to obtain a My Number Card if they wish to participate in future product sales or events.
Valve Opens Steam Controller Reservations To Counter Scalpers
Valve has implemented a reservation system for the Steam Controller to combat scalping and limit reseller activity. Reservations are limited to one per account, requiring accounts to be in good standing and have made a prior purchase on Steam. The company is also working to replenish controller stock across various regions.
Steam Controller reservations announced with scalper protection as Valve admits "the experience for a lot of you trying to buy it was incredibly frustrating"
Valve has announced that reservations for the Steam Controller will open on May 8, following a frustrating launch on May 4 that was plagued by stock issues and scalping. The company acknowledged the negative experience for many customers and is implementing measures to address these problems.
The Target x Pokémon Anniversary Collection Is Proof That the Scalping Situation Is Out of Control
The author describes a disheartening experience at an in-person Pokémon merchandise drop, highlighting the ongoing issue of scalping. The article suggests that the situation with limited edition collections, like the Target x Pokémon Anniversary Collection, is out of control due to scalpers.
New Steam Controller is over £700 on eBay as Valve makes life easy for scalpers
The new Steam Controller, released by Valve, is selling for nearly double its retail price of £85 on eBay due to high demand and limited supply. Some listings have even exceeded £700. Valve has acknowledged the rapid sell-out and is working to increase stock, while also facing similar concerns for the upcoming Steam Machine.
Pokemon scalpers reach new low by reselling limited edition Pop-Tarts
Scalpers are reselling limited edition Pokemon-themed Pop-Tarts for significantly inflated prices, with some listings reaching $50 compared to the original $3 retail price. These special edition Pop-Tarts, featuring characters like Pikachu, Squirtle, and Jigglypuff, were released as part of the franchise's 30th anniversary celebrations and were initially purchased from Target stores.
MTG x The Hobbit Preorders Are Now Live, but Stock Is Already Vanishing
Preorders for the Magic: The Gathering x The Hobbit crossover set are now available, but stock is rapidly disappearing due to scalpers. This limited release is experiencing immediate sell-outs across major retailers.
Steam Controller stock sold out in minutes, but there is something you can do about it
The Steam Controller sold out rapidly upon release, leading to widespread scalping on platforms like eBay. The article discusses strategies for consumers to combat scalpers, including reporting fraudulent listings and refusing to pay inflated prices. It also suggests waiting for future stock waves and potential software updates to address setup issues.
Pokémon Scalpers Selling Limited-Edition Pop-Tarts For Ridiculous Prices
Scalpers are reselling limited-edition Pokémon-themed Pop-Tarts, originally sold at Target for under $3 a box, for over $10 on platforms like eBay, with some listings reaching $34.99. This follows a trend of scalping Pokémon merchandise, including clothing and other collectibles, which are also being sold at significantly inflated prices.
Pokémon Scalpers Are Now Reselling Limited Edition Pop-Tarts
Scalpers are buying up limited edition Pokémon-themed Pop-Tarts, preventing fans from purchasing them. This trend highlights the growing issue of scalping extending beyond video games to related merchandise.
One Japanese store thinks it has the solution to Pokemon TCG scalpers
The Japanese retailer Bic Camera is combating scalpers of the Pokémon Trading Card Game by implementing a mandatory 15-question quiz for booster pack purchases. Customers must answer questions in Japanese without using their phones to be eligible to buy a single pack. This strategy has proven effective in deterring scalpers while allowing genuine fans to purchase cards.
A Japanese Store Has Come Up With a Fun Way to Combat Pokémon Card Scalpers: Forcing Customers to Pass a Quiz Before They Buy
A Bic Camera store in Tokyo is implementing a unique strategy to combat Pokémon card scalpers by requiring customers to pass a written quiz before purchasing the Ninja Spinner expansion. This measure aims to deter resellers and ensure cards reach genuine fans.
My Thoughts On New Gen Consoles (PS5 & Xbox Series)
The author questions the necessity of Sony and Microsoft releasing the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles in late 2020, suggesting a Q1 2021 launch would have been more appropriate given production limitations during the pandemic. The article also discusses the difficulties consumers faced with pre-orders and securing consoles due to bots and scalpers.
