Tag

Scalping

All articles tagged with #scalping

Pokemon TCG Surges to 10 Billion Cards, Prompting Mega-Factory and Distribution Overhaul
business2 days ago

Pokemon TCG Surges to 10 Billion Cards, Prompting Mega-Factory and Distribution Overhaul

Pokemon TCG printed 10 billion cards worldwide from March 2025 to March 2026 as demand outpaced production for a third straight year; to meet demand, The Pokemon Company announced a 1.27-million-square-foot printing facility to open by 2027 and acquired Excell Brands to tighten distribution, while Japan introduced government ID requirements to curb scalping—full supply stabilization is expected only after the new capacity comes online in 2027–2028.

Pokemon to Scan Government IDs in Japan to Fight Card Scalping
technology8 days ago

Pokemon to Scan Government IDs in Japan to Fight Card Scalping

The Pokémon Company says it is exploring a system that would scan government-issued IDs (Japan’s My Number Card) to gate purchases of priority lottery items, certain Pokémon Centre Online products, and event registrations in Japan. The ID would be scanned via smartphones using an external service, with no ID number stored, and the plan is set to roll out in August 2026. The My Number Card isn’t mandatory, and it may take 1–2 months to receive after registration.

Valve Rolls Out Fair-Play Reservations for Steam Controller Restock
gaming20 days ago

Valve Rolls Out Fair-Play Reservations for Steam Controller Restock

Valve has revamped the Steam Controller restock with a one-per-user reservation system and eligibility rules (one controller per user; accounts must have at least one prior purchase before April 27, 2026) to curb scalpers and bots. Reservations open May 8 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific, are processed in a transparent queue, and include a 72-hour purchase window once your reservation is secured. If you don’t complete the purchase in time, the reservation moves to the next person in line. A phased rollout will start in the U.S. and Canada before expanding to the UK, Europe and Australia, aiming for fair stock distribution and a smoother buying experience. Valve’s approach could become a blueprint for future high-demand hardware launches.

Empire State Moves to Cap Concert Ticket Resales
business3 months ago

Empire State Moves to Cap Concert Ticket Resales

New York state Senator James Skoufis plans amendments to cap resale prices at the original ticket price (including fees and taxes), set fee limits, and outlaw speculative ticketing, with enforcement details still undetermined. The move mirrors California’s recent actions and signals potential upheaval for the live‑music industry, pitting fans’ access against market dynamics and major players like Live Nation/Ticketmaster who are watching for guardrails if the bill passes.

Sonic x Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Sparks Fan Frenzy and Scalper Concerns
gaming10 months ago

Sonic x Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Sparks Fan Frenzy and Scalper Concerns

The launch of Wizards of the Coast and Sega's Sonic-themed Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair set faced significant online purchasing issues, with long wait times and server problems, reflecting ongoing challenges with limited edition drops and scalper prevention measures, though some see the delays as a potential way to curb reselling.

PS5 Pro: Strong Sales and Enhanced Gaming Experience
technology1 year ago

PS5 Pro: Strong Sales and Enhanced Gaming Experience

Sony's president Hiroki Totoki stated that the PlayStation 5 Pro's pricing has not negatively impacted its sales, despite the console being readily available in stores. The PS5 Pro, priced at $700/£700/€800, targets hardcore users and has not experienced the same demand as the original PS5, which launched during a chip shortage. Scalpers have struggled to profit from the PS5 Pro, with some selling at a loss. However, the console's external disc drive is in short supply and being scalped at inflated prices.