The Pokemon company is testing some major new methods for combat. PokemonTCG Scalpers in Japan are implementing facial recognition software in many stores. This change is to prevent duplicate purchases and unauthorized entry. PokemonTCG department store.
recently revived PokemonTCG This has been coupled with a surge in scalpers and resellers looking to profit from its popularity. Scalping was a rampant problem within the trading card game community, with many popular sets being quickly sold off and resold for significant price increases. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and even the Japanese government have taken steps to curb scalping and allow more people to purchase. pokemon This includes placing limits on the number of boxes an individual customer can purchase. Now, The Pokemon Company's Japanese branch is taking matters into its own hands to prevent scalpers from purchasing the new product.
Pokemon TCG implements facial recognition to thwart scalpers
The Pokémon Company is implementing a new policy with a set of pop-up stores in Japan using facial recognition technology. In stores, customers of elementary school age or older must undergo facial recognition both when entering the store and when standing in line to receive tickets. The facial recognition software only allows one entry and queue ticket per person per day, and anyone visiting the store for the second time that day will be denied entry. This policy aims to discourage duplicate purchases by scalpers looking to resell. pokemon While it is a for-profit product, it also identifies known female leopards before entry. The software is implemented in five pop-ups. pokemon It will be available in stores across Japan from July 31st to August 16th, but no information has been provided regarding a permanent release.
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The anti-scalping measures join broader efforts across The Pokemon Company to address this ongoing problem. The company's Japanese branch previously implemented government ID verification on the Pokémon Center website, requiring users to link their official IDs to their accounts. The Pokemon Company International has likewise introduced new restrictions of its own, including banning the sale of rank cards in major stores. PokemonTCG event. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa addressed the scalping issue at the shareholders' meeting, confirming that Nintendo is working with The Pokemon Company to resolve the issue.
that PokemonTCG 2026 has been a huge year so far, with several exciting sets debuting throughout the year. Ascended Heroes officially launched in January 2026 as one of the most anticipated expansions in recent years, with several cards selling for over $1,000 on the secondary market. The trading card game has already released four major expansions in 2026, following Perfect Order's Ascended Heroes, Chaos Rising, and the most recent Pitch Black expansion. pokemon There's also one more big set already confirmed for 2026.
that PokemonTCG In September, the franchise will celebrate its 30th anniversary with the release of the 30th Anniversary Expansion Pack. The 30th anniversary celebration will see the reprinting of several of the most iconic cards in gaming history, including the base set Charizard and Pikachu & Zekrom GX. The Anniversary Set will also feature new rarities, with the addition of futuristic rare cards that already featured stunning full-art versions of Mewtwo and Mew. pokemon As long as The Pokemon Company can stop the female leopards, fans will have a lot to look forward to from the game's anniversary set.
