Pokémon TCG vending machines are showing up in big box stores

Here’s some good news for Pokémon card game players and collectors: There’s a new official way to grab card packs at big box stores now. It’s called a Pokémon Automated Retail Vending Machine, and fans have already been seeing them pop up in stores near them in various parts of America. To be specific, these machines are rolling out in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Utah, and Washington. If you live in one of those states, check out this list to find the vending machines’ specific locations.

This isn’t just a cute way to buy Pokémon cards, although it is clearly that. It’s also a potential fail-safe against the problem of knock-off Pokémon cards allegedly showing up at big box stores, at least according to posts on the Pokémon TCG subreddit. Many of these users note that these stores did accept the customers’ returns, but obviously, no one wants to deal with that hassle. It’s better to be certain you’re getting the real thing from an official source, since by these fans’ reports, even big box stores seem to have trouble with the ongoing circulation of counterfeit Pokémon cards.

These vending machines also likely make it easier for stores to protect against potential theft, since these cards can be valuable and can inspire overwhelming shopper frenzies.

According to Pokémon Center, “the vending machines operate similarly to a regular vending machine, except they are stocked with Elite Trainer Boxes, Booster Packs and so many more TCG products.” The company already has clearly considered the possibility of Pokémon card-related crimes: “The Pokémon Company International’s automated retail devices are equipped with camera equipment that counts the number of people passing in front of the device, but the devices do not store or transmit video.”

So, no vending machine heists allowed. Charmander is watching.