Pokémon craze causes chaos at Costco over ‘151 Mini Tins’

The Pokémon craze is making another big comeback, and this time, it’s causing real-world chaos. Shoppers are scrambling for exclusive Pokémon 151 Mini Tins at Costco stores, leading to shouting matches, fights and even store policies limiting purchases.

Videos posted to PokeBeach show chaotic scenes, including Costco employees yelling, “No running!” as customers rush to grab the coveted items.

The Pokémon trading card game launched in Japan in 1996, following the massive success of the video game series. By the end of the decade, trading cards had become a worldwide phenomenon, with kids and adults in the U.S. hunting for rare holographic cards and trading on playgrounds and at local shops.

Fast forward to today, and Pokémon cards still hold their value. The Pokémon 151 Mini Tins feature fan-favorite characters from the original lineup, sparking intense demand among collectors and resellers.

The demand has become so overwhelming that some Costco stores have implemented purchase limits. Last November, Reddit users shared images of Costco signs restricting shoppers to just three five-pack Mini Tins each.

Even smaller local game stores aren’t immune to the chaos. One Reddit post revealed that a game shop was ransacked, leaving behind broken shelves and a smashed window after a car drove into the store.

Resellers cash in

Resellers have also seized the opportunity, listing Pokémon 151 Mini Tins at inflated prices. While the original retail price hovers around $10, individual tins are now reselling for up to $21. Complete displays of 10 tins have sold for as much as $250 online.

The Pokémon 151 series has reignited nostalgia for longtime fans, but its popularity is creating tension in stores. The craze shows no signs of slowing down as shoppers continue to fight for their chance to “catch ’em all.”