GameStop has announced its strategy to address the alarming brawls that erupted over the early release of Pokémon Blooming Waters at Costco stores. The incident took place earlier this January when select Costco locations inadvertently began selling the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s 151 Blooming Waters Premium Collection, leading to chaotic scenes reminiscent of a “thunderdome.”
Footage circulating on social media portrayed a frenzy of collectors and scalpers aggressively loading their carts with multiple boxes, often clashing with other shoppers in the process. One particularly striking video features a shopper enduring an elbow to the face yet refusing to relinquish his prized box.
Blooming Waters 151 Pokémon Cards at Costco 😳😳😳Guy is wrapped all over another dude and take an elbow towards the face and continues to hold tight… unreal.pic.twitter.com/ZRoCoubL0K
— Mr. Ogerpon (@mastersetbet) January 16, 2025
With the official launch of Blooming Waters scheduled for February 7, GameStop is proactively taking measures to prevent similar disturbances in its stores and has issued a stern warning to potential scalpers about their behavior.
GameStop Calls on Costco for Improved Conduct Amid Viral Pokémon TCG Fights
In a response to Twitch streamer DisguisedToast highlighting the fracas at Costco, GameStop emphasized its commitment to preventing its locations from transforming into battlegrounds. Their declaration on social media stated, “We support battling Pokémon, not battling over Pokémon. Blooming Waters arrives at GameStop on February 7th with a limit of 2 per customer.”
We support battling Pokémon, not battling over Pokémon. Blooming Waters arrives at GameStop on February 7th with a 2 per customer limit. Do better, @Costco.https://t.co/CgMXd8MY0E
— GameStop (@gamestop) January 27, 2025
Furthermore, GameStop’s message to Costco echoed a call for improved management of such releases, encouraging them to “do better” while tagging the retailer directly in their post. This firm stance received positive feedback from fans who praised GameStop’s action against scalpers.
Many collectors are eager for the Blooming Waters Premium Collection, viewing it as a potential last chance to acquire crucial booster packs from the acclaimed Scarlet & Violet 151 set, which may include the coveted full-art Charizard EX.
This incident highlights ongoing issues related to Pokémon cards, as earlier in 2025, an executive infamously duped his employer out of $500, 000 for the purpose of purchasing Pokémon cards, underscoring the heightened stakes and fervor surrounding this collectible craze.
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