Pokémon fans and families are losing every online drop to bots, broken systems, and inconsistent rules. We’re calling on Walmart and Target to fix their release process — with real verification, fair limits, and accessible, human-friendly drops that give everyone a fair shot.

 

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We, the undersigned, love Pokémon — but the current online release system at Walmart and Target is a mess.

 

Every drop feels like a battle we can’t win:

• Bots and multi-account users buy everything instantly.

• Websites crash under the load.

• Midnight or 2 a.m. drops mean only bots are awake to grab stock.

• Inconsistent purchase limits make things worse (Target caps at 2, Walmart at 12 — and sometimes people get 99 due to system errors).

• And half the time, the products can’t even be found unless you already have the secret link from Discord or Reddit.

 

Real fans — especially kids and parents — never stand a chance. It shouldn’t take an inside connection or a bot program just to buy a few packs of cards.

 

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🎯 Here’s what we’re asking for

 

1️⃣ Fair, Scheduled Releases

 

Stop surprise midnight drops. Use scheduled, announced release windows during normal hours or, better yet, lottery-style drops where real people can register ahead of time.

 

2️⃣ Visible Listings & Transparency

 

Make Pokémon products searchable and easy to find on your websites. No more hidden listings that only bots or insiders can access. Host an official Pokémon drop page where all current and upcoming items are clearly posted.

 

3️⃣ Real Verification & Anti-Bot Measures

 

Require verified phone numbers, addresses, and payment methods. Flag accounts sharing the same info.

At checkout, use a quick live facial verification step so bots can’t just use stolen, verified accounts.

 

4️⃣ Consistent Purchase Limits

 

Set one simple, fair limit — two units per customer across all Pokémon items — and enforce it properly. Target already proves it’s possible; Walmart should match it.

Additionally, Walmart should implement a two-item limit per SKU for in-store Pokemon products. Right now, there are no limits in stores, and scalpers often clear entire shelves immediately. Target recently began limiting in-store purchases, and it has done a lot to slow down resellers and give real fans and families a fair chance to find products in person.

 

5️⃣ Equal-Access Lottery System

 

Give priority to people who haven’t gotten anything recently, and move recent buyers to the back of the line. That’s fairness in action.

 

6️⃣ In-Store or Hybrid Pickup Options

 

Offer optional local pickup for online orders, with account-level purchase tracking — so real customers can pick up their cards in person but can’t bypass limits by ordering from multiple stores. Keeps products in communities and discourages bulk online scalping.

 

7️⃣ Accountability & Updates

 

Show customers their purchase history and participation so we can see that fairness is real. Keep your systems audited and share updates when changes are made.

 

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💬 Why This Matters

 

Pokémon is supposed to be fun — something we share with friends, kids, and other collectors.

Instead, it’s turned into a frustrating grind of broken websites, hidden listings, and bot wars.

We shouldn’t have to set alarms for 2 a.m. or rely on secret Discord links just to buy a booster pack.

All we’re asking for is a fair, transparent system that puts people — not bots — first.

 

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✊ What We’re Asking Walmart & Target to Do

 

    1.    End unannounced midnight drops.

    2.    Create predictable, human-friendly release windows or lotteries.

    3.    Enforce a consistent two-item purchase limit.

    4.    Require human verification at checkout.

    5.    Publish products where people can actually find them.

    6.    Offer optional local pickup with account-level tracking to stop multi-store abuse.

    7.    Patch and report on system errors that allow unfair purchases.

 

At the end of the day, we just want to enjoy the hobby the way it was meant to be — real fans, real excitement, and a fair chance for everyone. Please listen to the community and make Pokémon drops something people can look forward to again.