Pokémon fans are finally getting the last laugh after years of battling scalpers for merchandise. Thanks to a bold move by the Pokémon Center Japan, resellers are now left scrambling — and fans are cheering.
Scalping has long plagued fandoms, and Pokémon is no exception. Popular products, especially limited-edition items, are often bought en masse by scalpers who resell them at outrageous mark-ups. This leaves everyday fans frustrated, unable to buy collectibles at retail prices.
The Pikachu Diner Series Sparks Scalper Frenzy
The latest chaos began with the release of the Pikachu Diner series on July 5, 2025. The collection features adorable Pikachu-themed items like plates, napkins, pillows, cups, aprons, and more — all styled after a retro diner theme. Fans were excited, but so were scalpers.
Despite requiring customers to enter a lottery just for a chance to purchase, the products still sold out instantly, and listings soon appeared online for inflated resale prices.
Pokémon Center’s Genius Move: Make-to-Order
But this time, The Pokémon Company had a game-changing strategy. As reported by NintendoSoup, the Pokémon Center responded by announcing a make-to-order sale. This means any fan who wants Pikachu Diner items can order them directly — with no quantity limits and no lottery needed.
This unexpected decision completely undercut scalpers, instantly devaluing their overpriced listings.
Fans Are Thrilled — Scalpers, Not So Much
Reactions from the Pokémon community have been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is flooded with memes celebrating the “scalper downfall” and praising Pokémon Center’s efforts to prioritize real fans.
Meanwhile, resellers are left holding stock they can’t flip for a profit. “Scalpers in shambles” quickly became the rallying cry, as fans flooded forums with appreciation for this rare win in the merchandise wars.
A Model for Other Fandoms?
This make-to-order approach may set a new precedent for how brands handle demand spikes. By removing artificial scarcity, companies can curb scalping while still maintaining hype and accessibility.
For now, Pokémon fans are just happy to get their hands on the items they love — without breaking the bank.