The Pokémon Company launched vending kiosks to help fans buy trading cards more fairly, avoiding the chaos of overnight reseller camps at retail stores. The machines enforced purchase limits and released stock gradually, aiming to give regular players a better chance at high-demand releases like the rare Pikachu card. However, the system quickly became overwhelmed by determined resellers who exploited glitches and loitered nearby to dominate access.

Despite efforts to maintain order, reports emerged of aggressive behavior at kiosks, including adults stealing from children and physical altercations. Store operators cited safety concerns, and online sentiment turned sharply negative — a problem for a brand centered on family-friendly play. While the company stated the kiosks are being removed to improve stock consistency and player experience, many see this as a retreat from a failed experiment.

Now, with fewer official access points, casual fans may find it even harder to obtain new cards at retail price. The shutdown highlights the tension between collectible gaming and speculative resale markets, especially when single cards can be worth over $1,000. The Pokémon Company has not announced a replacement system.