Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Shiny Koraidon and Miraidon In-Person Distribution at GameStop Faces Backlash

Earlier this week, The Pokemon Company launched an in-person Mystery Gift distribution featuring Shiny Koraidon and Shiny Miraidon for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet—two of the most anticipated Legendary Pokemon variants for collectors and competitive players alike.

The event requires players to visit participating GameStop locations in the United States to receive a special code that unlocks these coveted Shiny Pokemon in-game on the Nintendo Switch.

However, the rollout quickly prompted significant frustration within the Pokemon community.

Numerous reports have emerged of players arriving at their local GameStop on the advertised start date, only to find that all available codes had already been distributed.

According to accounts shared on social media platforms, several GameStop stores ran out of Mystery Gift code cards early, leaving many fans empty-handed.

Adding to the controversy, screenshots have circulated showing these free code cards being resold on eBay at prices ranging from $10 to $40, despite being intended as complimentary giveaways by The Pokemon Company. These challenges have reignited broader criticisms of in-person Pokemon giveaway events.

Notably, participants have alleged that some store employees are requiring purchases in exchange for the code—despite official policies stating codes should be given out freely.

Other complaints highlight instances where multiple codes were handed to individual customers, contravening the intended one-per-person rule.

With distribution limited to a select number of retail chains such as GameStop, many fans lose out, with some feeling compelled to buy codes from online scalpers rather than missing their chance to complete their collections or competitive teams. The outcry has intensified debate in the Pokemon community about the continued reliance on physical, in-person distributions for special Pokemon.

Critics argue that, in an era when digital giveaways are commonplace through the Nintendo Switch and the eShop, restricting access to exclusive Pokemon via retail partners feels outdated and exclusionary.

Online Mystery Gifts typically avoid issues with regional limits and stock shortages.

For example, the ongoing Shiny Treasures of Ruin event has seen widespread participation thanks to its digital delivery, which ties the rewards to in-game activities such as online competitions or raid battles and ensures equitable access. As of this article’s publication, The Pokemon Company has yet to respond to the mounting concerns regarding the handling of the Shiny Koraidon and Miraidon in-person event.

The company’s next steps may influence the future format of special distributions in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and future generations.

Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.

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