ThePokémonCenterhas implemented a queue system for US shoppers in a potential attempt to prevent bot purchases. ThePokémonCenter has had to ramp up its efforts to prevent malicious parties from purchasing their merch in recent months. The company encountered some difficulties during the recent launch of the Prismatic EvolutionsPokémon TCGset, whose popularity was marred by manyscalpers ruining the launch for real fans.
The company has tried various ways to combat bots and scalpers, and it seems a new one was just implemented on the online storefront, thePokémonCenter. According toPokéBeach,the Center is now using a queue system during high-traffic times, as was spotted by fans during a smallPokémon TCGrestock. The system places potential buyers into a virtual line, requiring fans to wait for their turn to make a purchase.
“New” Queue System On Pokémon Center Has Been In Use In Japan For Years
Some Fans Call It A Step In The Right Direction
The queue system may be new to US buyers, but it’s been in use in Japan for a few years now. The system seems to be working well in Japan, so fans can be cautiously optimistic about its success in the US. Response from fans has been generally positive, withmany stating that the queue system is a step in the right directionfor the company.
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The Pokémon Company is releasing a life-sized plush version of Gardevoir, with pre-orders in Japan going on sale next week for over $300.
Others, though, arenot convinced this feature will make any difference without additional checks in place, like linked identification or unique presale codes for each individual. The system is specifically targeting bots and potentially allowing real fans to have a better chance of buying merch from the website. However, it won’t do much to deter scalpers, who will probably have no problem bypassing the queue and purchase limits. It’s also unclear why the US store didn’t already use the waiting system if it was working in Japan.
Our Take: The Pokémon Company Is Doing Everything It Can To Deter Scalpers And Bots
The Queue System Is Just One Of The Steps The Company Is Taking
Scalpers and resellers madethePrismatic Evolutions TCGset release a disastrous one, with shortages causing long lines and evenfights in stores over the box sets. Following the negative experience, the Pokémon Company issued a statement saying that the company is “working actively working to print more of the impacted Pokémon TCG products as quickly as possible and at maximum capacity.”
In addition to the new digital waitlist and increased set printing, thePokémonCompanyplaces purchase limits per person on the website. It’s in the company’s best interest to make the purchasing experience positive for fans, and I think it’s doing everything it can to smooth things over.
Buying someTCGcards or acute Snorlax plushieshouldn’t be a difficult experience, and it seems that thePokémonCompany is doing its best to ensure that fans can get their hands on the merch. At the end of the day,thePokémonfranchise means a lot to some fans, who want to continue supporting a company that many have grown up with. It remains to be seen it the new queue system on thePokémonCenterwebsite will actually make a difference the next time a large merch drop happens.
