Scalping
Ongoing coverage on Scalping.
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Why Paying "Market Price" for Rare Pokémon Card Sets Somehow Became The New Normal
Market prices for rare Pokémon Trading Card Game sets frequently exceed their Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Despite this, collectors continue to rely on these inflated prices as a strategy to avoid the even higher costs imposed by scalpers.
Pokémon Center Rolls Out Invite-Only Access for Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box
The Pokémon Center is implementing an invite-only queue system to manage demand and combat scalpers for the popular Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box. This measure aims to ensure fairer access to the product.
I hate having to prove my brand loyalty just for the chance to buy hardware at full price
The author expresses frustration with anti-scalper measures implemented by companies like Sony and Valve, which require brand loyalty or purchase history to buy hardware. These systems, while intended to deter scalpers, create a 'dystopian brand loyalty test' and limit access for consumers without deep pockets or extensive gaming history.
Sony Makes Japanese Players Prove They’re Gamers To Get A PS5 Pro
Sony is implementing a new requirement in Japan for players to prove they have at least 60 hours of gameplay on their PlayStation accounts between September 2024 and September 2026 to be eligible for a PlayStation 5 Pro lottery. This measure aims to prevent scalping and ensure consoles go to genuine gamers, though it has drawn some criticism. The article also briefly mentions Sony's past lawsuit regarding digital game prices and its decision to skip CES 2027.
Sony is introducing an anti-scalping lottery system for PS5 Pros in Japan as supply shortages persist
Sony is implementing a lottery system on its Japanese online store to combat scalping and persistent supply shortages for the PlayStation 5. Applicants need a registered Japanese Sony account with over 60 hours of playtime in the last two years. Winners will be notified on October 26th and must purchase the console within a week.
Avery the Poké Kid’s Family Speaks Out After Scalpers Use Child’s Death to Inflate Card Prices
The family of the late Pokémon influencer Avery the Poké Kid has spoken out against scalpers who are reportedly using his death to artificially inflate the prices of a 30th Anniversary Jirachi SIR card. This exploitative practice has drawn widespread condemnation.
GTA 6 scalpers are already trying to resell Rockstar's $400 Collector's Box for upwards of $1,500, even though…
Scalpers are already attempting to resell the Grand Theft Auto 6 Collector's Box for significantly inflated prices, with some listings on eBay reaching upwards of $1,500, despite the $400 box still being available for pre-order on Rockstar Games' official website. Many fans have expressed reluctance to purchase the bundle as it does not include the game itself, suggesting that scalpers may not be successful in this endeavor.
How Best Buy Became a Hidden Haven for Authentic Pokémon TCG Drops at MSRP Prices With Anti-Scalper Queues
Best Buy has become a reliable source for authentic Pokémon Trading Card Game products at manufacturer's suggested retail prices. The retailer employs anti-scalper measures and bot protection to ensure fair access for collectors.
30 Years Later, Collecting Pokemon Cards Hits A Little Different
Collecting Pokemon cards, once a casual hobby, has become a serious market plagued by scalpers and violence, with incidents of theft and assault occurring over rare cards. The article contrasts the low-key collecting of the late '90s and early '00s with the current situation, questioning the seriousness with which people treat the hobby, especially given that many collectors don't even know how to play the game.
How Best Buy Became a Hidden Haven for Authentic Pokémon TCG Drops at MSRP Prices With Anti-Scalper Queues
Best Buy has become a reliable source for authentic Pokémon Trading Card Game products at manufacturer's suggested retail prices. The retailer employs anti-scalper measures and bot protection to ensure fair access for collectors.
Pokémon Scalper Reportedly Arrested After Punching Man in the Face Over 30th Anniversary Target Drop
A Pokémon scalper was reportedly arrested and trespassed after punching another individual in a viral confrontation that also resulted in a child being injured. The incident occurred during a 30th-anniversary Target drop.
Japanese Retailer Bans Listings of Pokemon 30th Anniversary Boxes To Combat Scalpers
The Pokemon Company International and Japanese retailer Mercari have banned the listing of sealed Pokemon 30th Anniversary set products to combat scalpers. This move aims to prevent the resale of these limited-edition items at inflated prices.
Pokémon traders are allegedly offering puppies in exchange for valuable cards
Viral videos show individuals attempting to trade French bulldog puppies for valuable Pokémon trading cards, sparking outrage within the community. This practice highlights concerns about animal welfare and the extreme lengths some collectors go to acquire rare cards.
Scalpers are already reselling the sold-out Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 for £700+
The limited edition Nintendo Switch 2 console celebrating The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary sold out rapidly, leading to scalpers reselling it on eBay for nearly double its retail price. The console, featuring Link-green Joy-Cons and Triforce-inspired design, is set to launch on October 29th, preceding the Ocarina of Time remake.
After another scalping disaster, Nintendo is restocking the Legend of Zelda Switch 2 – but seemingly only in the…
Nintendo is restocking a special "The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary" edition of the Nintendo Switch in the UK following issues with scalpers driving up prices. While the console is sold out on the US site, Nintendo's physical stores in New York and San Francisco are expected to have stock for its October 29 launch.
GTA 6 DualSense Controller Scalpers Are Already Cashing In
Scalpers are already reselling pre-orders for the Grand Theft Auto 6 themed DualSense controllers at significantly inflated prices on eBay, with some listings averaging around $140. Despite these sales violating eBay's terms of service, the white controller model is already out of stock, indicating high demand driven by the game's immense hype.
Games Inbox: Is the PlayStation brand tarnished by Sony’s actions?
Readers express frustration with Sony Interactive Entertainment's recent actions, including pulling funding from Hideo Kojima's new game and the lukewarm reception of Marvel's Wolverine. Concerns are raised about Sony's focus on live service games and perceived arrogance, leading some to consider switching to Nintendo platforms. The article also touches on the persistent issue of scalping for popular game consoles and accessories.
GTA 6's Limited Edition PS5 Controller Pre-Orders Overload PlayStation's Store, and Scalpers Are Already Reselling Them on eBay
Pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6's limited edition PlayStation 5 controllers experienced significant chaos upon going live, overwhelming PlayStation's store. Scalpers have already begun reselling these controllers on eBay.
Switch 2’s 40th-Anniversary Console Sells Out Immediately, And Guess What Happened Next
Nintendo's new 40th-anniversary Zelda-themed Switch 2 console, released on September 8, sold out immediately and quickly appeared on eBay with prices around $800-$850, indicating a scalping scenario. The limited-edition console, featuring a black-and-gold design with the Triforce, is set to officially release on October 29. The article also mentions the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, releasing November 6 for the Switch 2.
Pretend to be shocked: scalpers are already reselling the Zelda Ocarina of Time Switch 2 for over $850 as demand…
Scalpers are reselling the limited edition The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Nintendo Switch 2 console for over $850, significantly above its $520 retail price. The console, released to commemorate the upcoming remake of the N64 classic, sold out quickly at major retailers, highlighting the ongoing issue of scalping in the gaming community.
