The recent release of highly collectible Pok\u00e9mon cards at Mississauga Costco locations has led to long lines, scuffles, and calls to police.<\/p>\n
At the Heartland Centre location last month, crowds began to form hours before the doors opened. When they did, a large rush ensued with pushing and shoving to reach the cards, which were available only in limited quantities.<\/p>\n
\u201cPok\u00e9mon! Pok\u00e9mon!\u201d a member of the crowd could be heard chanting as the throng surged forward.<\/p>\n
So, what\u2019s the big deal?<\/p>\n
Pok\u00e9mon (short for \u201cpocket monsters\u201d) originated in Japan as a role-playing game and has since evolved into a massive media franchise consisting of video games, animated series, films, trading cards, and other merchandise.<\/p>\n
While the franchise has always been popular, the cards, which debuted in 1996, have become a phenomenon. Originally driven by nostalgia, the market is now centred on money\u2026 big money.<\/p>\n
\u201cRare cards\u2014especially graded ones\u2014can sell for thousands, sometimes even more,\u201d said Philip Ng, a longtime collector who has joined many of the Costco lineups recently.<\/p>\n
This search for \u201chits\u201d has turned the hobby into a type of lottery. Rare cards are randomly inserted into packs contained within the boxes people are lining up for. This transforms the collector into a speculator, hoping to pull something valuable the moment the packs are ripped open.<\/p>\n
Retailers like Costco have a limited number of boxes available upon release. Because demand greatly exceeds supply, prices often skyrocket on secondary markets.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt really works people up when the cards are released,\u201d continued Ng, who acknowledges he has hit the jackpot a few times by finding valuable cards. \u201cAt first, it was just the die-hard fans, but now it attracts anyone looking to make a quick profit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Indeed, waiting in line for a few hours appears worth the effort for those who believe a single rare card can net them $10,000 or more on the resale market.<\/p>\n
Another Pok\u00e9mon-related incident took place on April 11 at the Costco on Laird Drive in Mississauga. A large crowd gathered before opening, and police were already on-site in anticipation of trouble, which did eventually arrive.<\/p>\n
Frenzied customers loaded shopping carts with boxes of cards. In one instance, as a customer left the store, coffee was thrown into his cart, which was then struck by a car. The impact sent boxes flying, and onlookers scurried to grab the cards scattered across the parking lot.<\/p>\n
To date, there has been no indication of criminal charges or significant injuries at any of these events. More cards are expected to be released in the months ahead.<\/p>\n
A Costco in Mississauga, Canada is going viral for the crowd it drew for attendees trying to get their hands on the latest Pokemon cards.<\/p>\n
Would you hack out this line for Pokemon cards?#pokemon<\/a> #pok\u00e9moncards<\/a> #costco<\/a> #collectorsclub<\/a> #viral<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/4vexspLl8M<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Collectors Club (@CollectorsClubX) March 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n