Shiny Panic: GameStop Handed Out Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Legendary Codes Early — Now They’re Selling on eBay
GameStop’s shiny Pokémon giveaway for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is already causing headaches for players. Some stores appear to have handed out redemption codes early, and several codes are now listed for sale online.
- What happened
- Where to get codes
- Early pickups and social reports
- Scalpers and resale
- Why players are irritated
What happened
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company announced a giveaway of Shiny Koraidon and Shiny Miraidon for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, with codes redeemable at specific retailers. The promotion runs from Sept. 26 to Oct. 15. According to the announcement, the codes are available only “while supplies last”, and players were urged not to delay. For the original announcement, see this announcement.
Where to get codes
Codes will be distributed at GameStop in the United States and EB Games in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In Japan, various game stores will also take part; details are available on the Japanese site here.
Early pickups and social reports
Several players shared posts saying they received codes before the official start date. For example, one user reported getting two cards after asking, and another wrote that their local store told them “the location had given away the 50 codes” it was sent. Those reports were shared on social media; one thread with multiple examples can be seen here, while a post about getting two cards is available here. Another user’s report about a store running out of codes is here.
Scalpers and resale
Predictably, some sellers have listed codes for sale online. Several eBay listings ask roughly $30–$40 for a Shiny Koraidon or Miraidon. You can view current listings on eBay.
Why players are irritated
Fans are frustrated for a few reasons. First, the giveaway is region-restricted, so many players can’t access it. Second, the promotion comes right after another event — the Shiny Treasures of Ruin giveaways — which many players received via in-game Mystery Gifts. Third, early distribution and resale make availability unpredictable. As a result, players hoping for a new Shiny legendary face the chance that local stores will already be out of codes when the promotion formally starts on Sept. 26.
What to do if you want a code
Check your local GameStop or EB Games on or after Sept. 26. If you’re in Japan, consult the list of participating stores on the official Japanese page (link). Otherwise, be wary of resale listings and confirm any seller’s credibility before buying.
Other official events
Separately, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company will host in-store events next month, including a “Pokéween” celebration at participating stores; details are on this page.
