Pokémon Japan Introduces ID Verification for Pokémon TCG Purchases
The Pokémon Company has announced a major new measure aimed at combating scalpers and ensuring fairer access to Pokémon Trading Card Game products in Japan.
Beginning around August 2026, customers will be required to complete identity verification using Japan’s government-issued My Number Card in order to participate in certain Pokémon Center Online lotteries and purchase selected Pokémon TCG products. The same verification system will also be used for applications to participate in some official Pokémon events and tournaments.
A New Weapon Against Scalpers
For years, Japanese Pokémon card releases have been heavily impacted by bots, resellers, and bulk buyers who often purchase large quantities of products before regular fans have a chance.
According to The Pokémon Company, the new verification process is being introduced to help provide customers with a fair opportunity to purchase products while maintaining a safer and more secure experience on Pokémon Center Online. While the company did not specifically mention scalpers in its announcement, the move is widely viewed as a direct response to the ongoing resale problem affecting the Pokémon TCG market.
How the Verification System Will Work
Players will be required to verify their identity using Japan’s My Number Card, a government-issued identification card that contains a secure electronic authentication chip.
The system will reportedly use the card’s built-in authentication features to confirm a customer’s identity before allowing access to eligible lotteries, purchases, and event registrations. Pokémon has also stated that the process has been designed with privacy considerations in mind.
What Products Will Be Affected?
At this stage, The Pokémon Company has stated that the requirement will apply only to:
- Selected Pokémon TCG products sold through Pokémon Center Online
- Certain lottery sales
- Specific official tournament and event applications
Not every Pokémon product will require verification, and the company is expected to provide additional details closer to launch.
Part of a Bigger Effort
This announcement comes during one of the busiest periods in Pokémon TCG history.
Recent Japanese releases have seen overwhelming demand, with many products selling out almost instantly and reappearing on resale sites at heavily inflated prices. The issue has become increasingly visible following the return of Mega Evolution cards and the lead-up to major 30th anniversary celebrations.
The company has already experimented with lottery systems, purchase limits, and account restrictions in recent years. Identity verification represents the strongest anti-scalping measure introduced so far.
Could Other Regions Follow?
Currently, the new verification system has only been announced for Japan.
There has been no indication that Pokémon Center stores in North America, Europe, Australia, or other regions will adopt similar requirements. However, collectors around the world will be watching closely to see whether the system succeeds in reducing bot purchases and improving product availability.
What This Means for Collectors
For genuine collectors and players living in Japan, the move could make it easier to secure popular Pokémon card products at retail price rather than competing against automated purchasing systems and professional resellers.
While some fans may view the additional verification step as inconvenient, many collectors have already welcomed the announcement online, seeing it as a necessary measure to protect one of the world’s most popular trading card games.
Honestly, this feels like one of the biggest Pokémon TCG policy changes in years. If the system works as intended, it could dramatically reduce scalping for major Japanese releases and finally give everyday collectors a better chance at purchasing new sets before they disappear from shelves.
