The "Pokémon Trading Card Game" (TCG) has seen massive engagement with new booster pack releases and tournaments, but recent years have also brought skyrocketing card prices and rampant global scalping.
The official Pokémon TCG website announced on July 13th that an ID verification system, utilizing Japan's "My Number Card" (マイナンバーカード), will be officially implemented for product sales and events starting in August. Players are encouraged to complete registration beforehand. This move, previously hinted at, has been widely praised by Japanese players who hope it will finally curb the rampant scalping and reselling that has plagued the game.
The "My Number Card" is a unique 12-digit identification card issued to all residents of Japan, including foreign nationals with residence cards. It serves multiple functions, acting as an ID card, health insurance card, and allowing for the printing of official documents (like resident certificates) at convenience stores.
Currently, the system is slated for use in priority lotteries for select items on Pokémon Center Online, booster pack sales, and registration for certain official tournaments and events within Japan.
The official announcement confirms that starting in August, ID verification will be rolled out for product sales and various activities, with initial implementation focusing on online lottery sales and registration for specific events.
While general retail channels beyond official stores and the full scope of application are still being planned and won't be immediately comprehensive, the goal is to gradually expand the system. This aims to ensure fairer opportunities for all players and create a more secure and safe environment for everyone.
Netizens are already hailing this measure as an effective deterrent against scalpers, especially those from overseas who frequently clear out Japanese stock. However, the exact scope of enforcement is still undefined, and for now, it only applies to priority lotteries for certain products, sales, and registration for some official tournaments and events within Japan.
Of course, the real impact won't be clear until the system is fully implemented, especially given its seemingly limited initial scope. Pokémon Co. might need time to gauge how far-reaching these measures need to be. After all, current anti-scalping efforts by individual retailers are often exhausting and cumbersome; an official, centralized system is definitely a welcome change.
(Further reading: Japanese Stores Combat Pokémon Card Scalping by Cutting Booster Packs at Checkout to Prevent Resale of Sealed Products)
via： ポケモンカードゲーム