Games

Pikachu Van Gogh Pokemon Card Set for a Comeback

Recent reports indicate the rare Pikachu Pokemon Trading Card, previously exclusively available at the Van Gogh Museum, is poised for a restock.
Pikachu Van Gogh Pokemon Card Set for a Comeback

Highlights

  • The highly prized Pikachu Van Gogh Pokemon card, initially distributed for free at the Van Gogh Museum, is reportedly being restocked in chain stores across the Netherlands to combat its inflated resale value.
  • In response to the chaos caused by scalpers during the original promotion, The Pokemon Company issued an apology and withdrew the card from museum sales.
  • The anticipated restock, expected to exceed 100,000 copies, aims to deflate the card's aftermarket price and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

Recent reports suggest that the exceedingly rare Pikachu Van Gogh Pokemon card is set for a re-release. In 2023, The Pokemon Company unveiled a collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, introducing an exclusive promotional card for sale. The card, a special Pikachu edition named 'Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat,' was offered as a complimentary gift to museum patrons making any purchase. However, the promotion turned chaotic, with rampant scalping and large crowds vying for the coveted card.

Following the tumult, The Pokemon Company issued an apology for the pandemonium, prompting the card's removal from museum sales to ensure the safety of patrons and staff. Despite this, scalpers managed to auction the elusive Pokemon card online, fetching prices exceeding $600 by the end of 2023. Recent reports indicate that The Pokemon Company is planning a restock.

As per Pokebeach, the official distributor of Pokemon TCG, Asmodee, has reached out to various hobby stores, advising them of an incoming supply of promotional cards, with each store slated to receive 10 cards. Additionally, Pokebeach confirmed that The Pokemon Company will restock the card at major chain stores in the Netherlands, commencing a special promotion on February 10. Fans spending €29.99 or more on TCG products will be eligible to receive a copy of the Pikachu Van Gogh card.

Chain Stores the Van Gogh Pikachu Pokemon Card is Being Supplied To:

  • Bruna
  • Game Mania
  • Intertoys
  • Media Markt
  • Primera
  • Top1Toys
  • Smyths Toys Superstores

Pokebeach suggests that these larger stores are likely to implement stricter measures to curb scalping. Sources cited by Pokebeach estimate a provision of 100 copies of the card to each of the aforementioned chain stores in the Netherlands, potentially introducing over 100,000 additional copies of the rare card into the market. This strategic move appears aimed at reducing the inflated resale value of the Van Gogh Pikachu card, which typically commands approximately $200 on eBay.

While scalping is a prevalent issue in the Pokemon community, this particular incident stands out as one of the most notorious and contentious. Following the initial turmoil, several Van Gogh museum staff members were dismissed due to allegations of pilfering card boxes during the event and divulging restricted exhibit information. The forthcoming restock not only aims to devalue the Van Gogh card in the secondary market but also intends to enforce stringent measures in stores to avert a recurrence of such incidents.

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