UK retailer GAME accused of ‘scalping’ its own Pokémon cards by its own staff

GAME Faces Backlash Over Pricing

Following the launch of the latest Prismatic Evolutions set, UK retailer GAME has come under fire for its pricing tactics. Fans have noticed that GAME is selling small Pokémon mini tins on its website for £10.99, but with an additional mandatory £19.99 shipping fee, bringing the total to nearly £31 for a single tin.

While high demand and limited supply often drive up prices on the secondary market, accusations of "self-scalping" from a major retailer are unusual. Many fans have expressed frustration that the delivery cost is nearly twice the price of the actual product, with no option for in-store pickup.

Scalping Controversy & Staff Reactions

According to a report from Eurogamer, anonymous GAME staff members have claimed that the inflated delivery charge is intentional. One employee stated, "We’re constantly taking the brunt of abuse from customers and the company itself." This suggests that the backlash is not only affecting customers but also store employees.

This isn’t the first time Pokémon cards have caused controversy. In 2021, McDonald’s Happy Meals featuring promotional Pokémon cards led to scalpers buying out entire supplies to resell the cards at inflated prices.

Pokémon Card Shortages & Demand

Prismatic Evolutions has been one of the most sought-after expansions in recent years, leading to widespread shortages. The demand for these cards extends beyond the UK, with reports of physical altercations in the US as customers scramble to secure packs from retailers like Costco.

With The Pokémon Company acknowledging the issue of scalping, retailers must navigate a fine line between supply, pricing, and customer expectations. Meanwhile, collectors looking for English Pokémon cards can browse available stock at Card Cathedral.