On September 12th, Pokémon fans were treated to a double dose of news from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. Besides the unveiling of what some are calling the most unique-looking Pokémon adventure to date, a special distribution event was announced: a chance to snag a Shiny Koraidon or Shiny Miraidon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Unlike the recent distribution of the Shiny Treasures of Ruin, earned through tough Tera Raids and claimed via Mystery Gift, acquiring these Shiny Legendary Pokémon requires a real-world trip. Trainers will need to visit physical locations: specifically, GameStop and EB Games stores.
From September 26th to October 15th, participating GameStop locations across the United States, and EB Games stores in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, will be handing out codes. These codes can be redeemed for either a Shiny Koraidon or a Shiny Miraidon, the flagship Legendary Pokémon of Scarlet and Violet respectively. The promotion is also happening at various gaming retailers in Japan. The original announcement clearly states that codes are available “while supplies last,” encouraging players to act quickly. Interestingly, some GameStop stores appear to have started giving out codes ahead of schedule.
Social media is already buzzing with reports from players who managed to obtain codes early. Some users are reporting success simply by politely requesting them, with at least one individual claiming to have received two codes. However, other players have experienced frustration, with one report of a GameStop already exhausting its supply of 50 codes. The limited regional availability of this giveaway has already caused some discontent, and potential stock shortages before the official start date are likely to further frustrate fans.
Unfortunately, as is common in the world of Pokémon collectibles, scalpers are attempting to capitalize on the situation. Listings have begun to appear on eBay, with sellers asking prices ranging from $30 to $40 for a single Shiny Koraidon or Miraidon code.
Distributing Pokémon and other in-game items through brick-and-mortar store visits is a long-standing tradition for Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. A “Pokéween” celebration is even planned for next month at participating locations. However, this particular in-store giveaway, restricted to specific regions, feels somewhat disappointing so soon after the more accessible Shiny Treasures of Ruin distribution. The decision not to distribute these Shiny Legendary Pokémon via Mystery Gift, as was done with other recent Legendaries, is a curious one.
Players hoping to add these rare Shiny Legendary Pokémon to their collections should check with their local GameStop or EB Games as soon as possible, hoping that supplies haven’t already run out. The official start date for the promotion is tomorrow, September 26th.