The rare and controversial Pikachu With Grey Felt Hat promo card is making a return to the Pokemon community in the Netherlands in February 2024. Previously, the card's scarcity led to scalpers hiking its prices, leaving completionist Pokemon players and collectors relieved by this news.
The enduringly popular Pokemon TCG, a beloved trading card game with a dedicated fanbase, has been a staple for over two decades. Similar to other long-standing TCGs like Magic: the Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh, it boasts a rich history with numerous special collectible cards.
Pokemon fan site, Poke Beach, has reported that official distributors in the Netherlands have notified stores of the re-release of the Van Gogh-inspired Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat promo card in mid-February 2024. Each local game store will receive 100 copies to distribute to players. The public announcement is imminent, and players can acquire the rare card by spending at least €30 ($33 USD) on Pokemon TCG products and merchandise at a participating store.
Details of Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat Promo Card
- When: February 2024
- Available in: Affiliate local game stores in the Netherlands
- Stock: 100 copies per store
- How to get: Buy at least €30 worth of Pokemon products at the store
The special promo card showcases a Pikachu painted in the iconic style of 19th-century Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, with 60 HP and an ability called Pika-Portrait, allowing players to search for any Pikachu in their deck and place it on their bench for the cost of one Lightning energy. Initially released as an exclusive giveaway at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in October 2023, the promotion was marred by scalpers acquiring the limited edition Pokemon cards and reselling them at exorbitant prices. The Pokemon Company promptly acknowledged the issue and pledged to remedy it, leading to the card's re-release.
Following the announcement, the card's price has decreased on the European online TCG store, Cardmarket, currently at €112.91 ($124) as of January 11, down from a high of €157.96 ($173) in mid-December 2023. It is anticipated to further decline upon its re-release in February, prompting resellers to capitalize on its current value. After being ranked as one of the priciest Pokemon cards released in 2023, The Pokemon Company is taking positive steps to address scalping and ensure the accessibility of the promo card, as originally intended.
Furthermore, the Pokemon TCG is slated to introduce five new sets in 2024, with Paldean Fates scheduled for release on January 26. This is in addition to a host of other major announcements for the main video game franchise, creating heightened anticipation among Pokemon enthusiasts.