"You would think that The Pokémon Company and GameStop would know that turning something that could easily have been distributed digitally into a physical item, only obtainable in stores, would attract the Mandibuzz-like vultures who circle the franchise looking for a way to scalp its merch to make a quick buck. That's exactly what's happened with a partnership to give out free codes for rare Shiny Pokémon in , as scalpers have found a way to ruin something else for everyone."
"Here's what was supposed to happen: from September 26 to October 15, fans who visit GameStops or EB Games locations would be able to get a code to receive either a Shiny Koraidon or Miraidon, the legendary Pokémon that grace and 's covers. These alternate-colored variants have never been available before, so if you're the kind of collector who wants every Shiny, this is a pretty big deal."
The Pokémon Company and GameStop offered free codes at GameStop and EB Games from September 26 to October 15 redeemable for Shiny Koraidon or Miraidon. Codes were distributed on physical cards without requiring a purchase, but many locations reportedly ran out weeks early or began reserving codes as promotional add-ons. Physical cards created a limited supply that scalpers exploited by collecting codes and listing them for sale online, with prices ranging from under $10 to much higher. The simultaneous Trading Card Game set release increased foot traffic and opportunities for scalpers. Fans and collectors have been left unable to obtain codes through normal means.
Read at Kotaku
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