Walmart+ Offers Early Access to Pokémon TCG Fans

By Jacob Miller   |   Oct 08, 2025

Walmart+ Early Access for Pokémon TCG
Walmart made the announcement that its Collector Con event will provide exclusive offers on toys, games, and trading cards — including Pokémon TCG.

As part of that, the retailer will provide Walmart+ subscribers (premium members of the service) with early access to upcoming product releases. As currently scheduled, starting on October 9 at 7 a.m. PT, members can order the Pokémon TCG Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box. Additionally, subscribers will also be given first access to:

• Phantasmal Flames Booster Bundles
• Three-Booster Blister packs
• Scarlet and Violet White Flare Tech Sticker Collection (3-Pack)

While it is not confirmed, these early access offerings will likely give both collectors and competitive players an opportunity to secure items before they are sold to resellers.

Demand and Challenges for Collectors
Since its introduction in the 1990s, Pokémon TCG has remained one of the most popular trading card franchises across the globe. However, demand has skyrocketed in recent years, and stock issues and shortages have become commonplace.

Resellers are easy to spot waiting in line to purchase large quantities of new releases so that they can resell the product for an inflated price. Because of this, any true player and collector might find it challenging to find any product.

Some retailers have taken serious measures related to demand. GameStop recently canceled pre-orders for customers due to extreme demand, and even Pokémon's official stores have ceased in-store sales due to safety concerns stemming from crowds.

The early access perk may ease some difficulties subscribers deal with, but it also raises exclusivity concerns amongst collectors.

Details About Walmart+
Walmart+ operates similar to other retailers' subscription services like Amazon Prime. On top of an annual fee of $98 ($12.95 per month), members receive free shipping and exclusive deals. Note that the early access feature for Pokémon TCG products is not available to members who are only on a trial. Reportedly, early access features for Walmart+ will eventually expand, especially during the upcoming Black Friday shopping season.

If this product's early access works out well, it may provide an ongoing advantage to Walmart+ subscribers in their quest to collect Pokémon TCG products.