"Pokemon TCG" scalping has long been a controversial issue. Despite the efforts of some stores to diminish scalping, scalpers tend to outsmart them with underground tactics. In Japan, it will change starting this week.
The Pokémon Company is taking another huge step to address the growing problem of "Pokémon TCG" scalping in Japan. Pokémon Card Stores will reportedly introduce facial recognition technology to identify customers who attempt to enter the same location multiple times in a single day.
Facial Recognition Targets Repeat 'Pokémon TCG' Store Entries
The new policy was announced on July 24 through the official Pokémon Card Game website. Under the system, customers of elementary school age and older may have their identities verified when entering participating Pokémon Card Stores or receiving numbered entry tickets.
The measure is intended to create a safer shopping environment while enforcing rules designed to prevent repeated purchases.
According to the announcement, the facial recognition system will help store staff determine whether a customer has already entered a participating store on the same day. Customers who appear to be attempting to bypass entry restrictions may be approached and questioned by employees.
The announcement does not clearly state what consequences customers could face after being identified as repeat entrants. Based on the wording of the notice, however, they may be warned or asked to explain their actions.
It also remains unclear whether the restriction applies only to the specific Pokémon Card Store where a customer first entered or whether the facial recognition system could identify repeat entries across multiple participating locations in Japan.
Now that "Pokémon TCG" 30th Anniversary cards are coming, many TCG players think that they would immediately surge in price.
New Anti-Scalping Policy Follows My Number Card Restrictions
The facial recognition system is separate from another anti-scalping measure announced by The Pokémon Company on July 21.
To clarify, that policy involves Japan's My Number card, a government-issued identification card that can be used to help limit "Pokémon TCG" purchases and lottery participation both online and at physical stores.
'Pokémon TCG' Fans React to Facial Recognition Rules
Reaction to the facial recognition policy has been mixed outside Japan, according to a report by Kotaku. However, comments from Japanese users responding to Pokémon Information's post on X appeared to be largely supportive of the move.
The policy has also started an argument about how far retailers should go to prevent scalpers. Stricter controls could make it more difficult for resellers to purchase large quantities of Pokémon cards, but some fans may also feel uncomfortable with facial recognition being used during a routine shopping trip.
【顔認証システム導入のお知らせ】
— ポケゲトちゃんねる＠ポケモンカードまとめ (@PokeGetInfoMain) July 26, 2026
ポケモンカードストアで防犯、適切な入店、購入制限の判断を目的とした顔認証システムが導入
今後ポケモンセンターでも導入あるのでしょうか🤔
皆さん的には顔認証システムの導入どう思います？
主なポイント👇
✅小学生以上が対象
✅入店・整理券受取時に顔認証... pic.twitter.com/UWIZwWiKYs
Privacy concerns could become an important part of the discussion as retailers explore more sophisticated methods to control access to limited-stock products.
For more TCG-related reports, check our latest article about "Pokémon Storm Emeralda."
