GameStop Charging Up to 33% Above MSRP for Destined Rivals — What Collectors Should Know
In a move that’s raising eyebrows (and price tags), GameStop has once again stirred controversy in the Pokémon TCG community by listing the upcoming Destined Rivals set well above MSRP — up to 33% more on some products.
Here’s a breakdown of GameStop’s pricing compared to The Pokémon Company International's (TPCi) MSRP:
| Product | MSRP | GameStop Price |
|---|---|---|
| Booster Pack | $4.49 | $5.99 |
| Booster Bundle | $26.94 | $39.99 |
| Booster Box | $161.64 | $199.99 |
| Build & Battle Box | $21.99 | $24.99 |
| 3-Pack Blister | $13.99 | $18.99 |
That means a full booster box will cost nearly $40 more at GameStop — a significant jump for collectors, players, and parents buying gifts.
What’s Going On?
This isn’t the first time GameStop has adjusted Pokémon TCG prices. In late 2024, they began listing some items above MSRP post-release, citing market demand. But since February 2025, they’ve shifted toward pre-release markups, a practice usually associated with scalpers — not major retailers.
Their logic? High demand justifies higher prices.
But for the rest of us in the community, especially small sellers and collectors, this move feels more like Team Rocket economics than fair market strategy.
Who’s Selling at MSRP?
The good news? Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are sticking with MSRP — at least for now. Independent retailers (like us here at Card Keepers Japan) are also committed to offering fair prices and authentic products, shipped directly from Japan.
Purchase Limits
GameStop also recently announced a new purchase limit policy:
Max 1 per customer for most Pokémon TCG products
Max 5 booster packs per customer
While this might prevent some scalping, the price increase still places a barrier between fans and the cards they love.
What This Means for Collectors
Whether you’re buying to play, collect, or invest, this kind of pricing can have ripple effects:
Artificial price inflation in the secondary market
Reduced accessibility for kids and casual fans
Increased frustration in the hobby
We believe that accessibility, fairness, and authenticity should remain at the heart of Pokémon collecting — and we’ll continue to offer cards, promos, and sealed product at competitive prices, direct from Japan.