Pokémon’s Wholesome Van Gogh Collaboration Immediately Devolves Into Chaos as Scalpers Rush Museum [IGN]

A wholesome collaboration between Pokémon and the Van Gogh museum immediately devolved into chaos as scalpers flooded the site looking for an exclusive Pikachu trading card.

As reported by VGC, the exhibition (which opened today, September 28), was intended to encourage children and young people to explore the artistry of Van Gogh, but videos have already appeared online showing the museum rammed full of scalpers.

The Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat card, which depicts Pikachu in the style of Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, has already been listed on eBay more than 100 times, with prices anywhere between $100 and $1,500.

This makes me so sad and is why we can’t have nice things

I saw so many wanting to go over in the first few days just to get any card and merch to resell. This is not an acceptable practice. If you do that, shame on you. https://t.co/vVHLHhVyZ1

— Joe Merrick (@JoeMerrick) September 28, 2023

“This makes me so sad and is why we can’t have nice things,” said Joe Merrick, head of Pokémon news website Serebii, on X (above). “I saw so many wanting to go over in the first few days just to get any card and merch to resell. This is not an acceptable practice. If you do that, shame on you.”

The cards are available for free to those who complete what was intended to be a fun quest for children that took them through Van Gogh’s paintings and the stories behind them, collecting clues and filling in a quiz as they go.

Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat is “subject to availability”, however, meaning children and their families may be able to enjoy the exhibit if and when the card runs out and scalpers go home. The special exhibit will run until January 7, 2024.

A handful of other exclusive Pikachu items, including a plush, figure, and tote bag, have also been listed on eBay for several times the amount they’re available for in the Van Gogh Museum.

Pokémon is no stranger to collaborations, with official Pokémon skateboards, Katy Perry tracks, Tamagotchis, and even commercial airlines all having been worked on.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.