Home / Latest

Photo of network, research lab, cryptocurrency
Image: via static0.polygonimages.com
Latest

GameStop's Pokémon 30th Anniversary Prices Spark Outrage

WireByte Staff · July 6, 2026

GameStop has increased prices for its Pokémon 30th-anniversary pre-orders, with some items seeing markups of over 500%. The retailer's initial pricing guidance sparked widespread outrage, and other card shops are now inflating their own prices. The highly anticipated September release has become a contentious issue, with customers and analysts expressing concerns.

Key points

  • GameStop initially priced the Elite Trainer Box at $129.99, a 260% markup over the manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49.99.
  • The Ultimate Premium Collection was listed at $600, a 500% markup over its supposed cost of around $120.
  • Other card shops are now inflating their own Pokémon pre-order costs in response to GameStop's pricing guidance.
  • Analysts say the high prices may deter customers and impact sales of the highly anticipated September release.
  • The Pokémon Company has not commented on the pricing controversy, but fans and customers are speaking out against the excessive markups.

GameStop's Pokémon 30th Anniversary Prices Spark Outrage

GameStop's decision to increase prices for its Pokémon 30th-anniversary pre-orders has sparked widespread outrage among customers and analysts. The retailer's initial pricing guidance, which included markups of over 500% on some items, has led to a contentious issue surrounding the highly anticipated September release.

The Elite Trainer Box, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49.99, was listed by GameStop at $129.99, a 260% markup. The Ultimate Premium Collection, supposed to cost around $120, was listed at $600, a 500% markup. These prices have been met with criticism from fans and customers, who are expressing concerns about the excessive markups.

Other card shops are now following GameStop's lead, inflating their own Pokémon pre-order costs in response to the retailer's pricing guidance. Analysts say that these high prices may deter customers and impact sales of the highly anticipated September release.

The Pokémon Company has not commented on the pricing controversy, but fans and customers are speaking out against the excessive markups. As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how this controversy will play out and what impact it will have on the Pokémon franchise.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.