Leading Philippine video game and electronics retailer DataBlitz has officially launched an anti-scalping verification measure requiring customers to pass a mandatory Pokémon trivia quiz before purchasing high-demand Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) products.
Rolled out on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the policy aims to curb commercial reselling and ensure limited-allocation items from the Pokémon 30th Anniversary release reach genuine fans and collectors at manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Under the new policy, store staff at participating branches require customers queuing up to answer questions covering Pokémon lore and gameplay mechanics. Only buyers who demonstrate baseline franchise knowledge and successfully answer the questions are granted access to purchase slots for the limited 30th Anniversary TCG stock.
The anti-scalping measure was initially introduced across select high-traffic Metro Manila locations, including DataBlitz Park Triangle Mall in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig; DataBlitz SM Makati in Makati City; and DataBlitz Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.
The trivia requirement applies directly to the highly anticipated Pokémon 30th Anniversary TCG lineup. Restricted allocation items covered by the quiz protocol include the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration 6 Booster Bundle, the 30th Celebration Mini Tin, the Sylveon ex Box, the Greninja ex Box, and the 30th Celebration Knock Out Collection.
DataBlitz’s adoption of trivia checks mirrors recent international retail strategies designed to deter trading card flipping. Similar verification policies have been deployed by major Japanese retailers, including Bic Camera branches in Tokyo and specialized hobby stores in Yokohama, which have implemented multi-question quizzes alongside box-unsealing rules to prioritize active players over reselling syndicates.
Local community response across social media platforms, Facebook collector groups, and the r/PokemonTCGPhilippines subreddit has been overwhelmingly supportive. While some collectors noted that certain branch questions were surprisingly detailed, local players and parents praised the initiative for protecting stock integrity and offering dedicated fans a fair chance to purchase 30th Anniversary merchandise directly from retail shelves.