Pokémon TCG: store introduces quiz to combat scalpers

A Pokémon store in Japan has found an unusual way to fight scalpers. The shop is asking customers to take a quiz before they can buy Pokémon products. This new policy has been introduced by BicCamera, located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and comes amid the recent surge in demand for Pokémon cards.

The quiz and its purpose

The quiz consists of 15 questions about the Pokémon universe. Its goal is to make sure the cards end up in the hands of real fans rather than scalpers looking to resell them. Customers must successfully complete the quiz to be eligible to buy cards from the Pokémon TCG set called Ninja Spinner.

Scalpers reportedly fail the questions regularly, which prevents them from purchasing the cards. It’s a significant step in the fight against reselling that Pokémon fans often have to deal with.

Ninja Spinner

Ninja Spinner is the latest set in the Pokémon TCG, launched in March 2026. The set has proven especially popular, largely because it heavily features Mega Greninja ex. In the past, sets like this were often hard to find, especially due to high demand and limited stock. The popularity of this particular set suggests there is still strong demand for more production from The Pokémon Company.

Restrictions and consequences

Any customer who successfully completes the quiz may buy a maximum of one 30-pack box. This limits scalpers’ ability to buy up large quantities for resale. In addition, the booster box packaging is being cut to make reselling more difficult.

There are also strict rules for customers who do not follow the guidelines. People caught photographing the questionnaire can lose their right to buy cards altogether. These measures highlight the ongoing issues surrounding the availability of Pokémon products.

The situation around Pokémon cards and scalpers remains challenging, and BicCamera’s new approach could become a model for other stores dealing with similar problems. Customers who are genuinely interested in collecting cards now have a way to stay competitive in an ever-changing market.