GameStop blames Pokemon after Shiny Koraidon and Miraidon distribution sparks backlash

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GameStop addressed criticism from Pokémon fans regarding the recent distribution of the special Shiny Koraidon and Miraidon. Fans complained that the event was poorly managed and allowed people to buy the Pokémon simply to resell them at a higher price.

Okay, so as a huge fan, I was so excited about this giveaway! They’re offering codes for shiny versions of Koraidon and Miraidon – and honestly, these codes are the *only* way to legitimately get those shiny legendaries. But the launch was a total mess. Stores got these cards to give out, but there wasn’t any limit to how many each person could grab, which led to some pretty crazy scenes!

Because of high demand, people quickly bought up all the promotional cards and started selling the codes online at much higher prices. After a lot of complaints, GameStop released a new set of codes, this time printed right on customers’ purchase receipts.

Regarding Shiny Koraidon and Shiny Miraidon codes

— GameStop (@gamestop) October 5, 2025

GameStop blames Pokemon Company for botched distribution

GameStop says each store got around 50 promotional codes, which were printed on receipts instead of cards. The company explained on social media that they were just following directions from The Pokémon Company International, and that Pokémon decided how many codes each store received and how they were distributed.

That decision is made by Pokémon.

— GameStop Help (@GameStopHelp) October 5, 2025

Honestly, the explanation didn’t really help calm anyone down. A lot of fans, myself included, felt like GameStop and The Pokemon Company were intentionally making the rewards hard to get, especially since it was just a digital code! It was super frustrating. And it didn’t take long – within hours – for people to start selling the codes on eBay for around 20 bucks each. Scalpers were basically profiting off the receipts from people who *did* manage to snag one, which was just a bummer for those of us who missed out.

Fans wondered why this event didn’t use the same method as past Shiny Pokemon distributions – like getting them through a Mystery Gift in the game or an online code – as was done with Zacian and Zamazenta in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Some players also said certain stores were requiring a purchase to get the code, even though GameStop stated no purchase was needed.

I visited six GameStop stores and they told me the limit isn’t 50 games per day. It’s currently limited to 5 games until the next shipment arrives, if they even get one.

— Austin John Plays (@AustinJohnPlays) October 5, 2025

Fans are increasingly upset that the special Shiny Koraidon and Miraidon codes are hard to get, and they’re asking The Pokémon Company to release them digitally so everyone has a fair chance. GameStop says the promotion is still ongoing as long as they have codes, but many stores have already given them all away.

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2025-10-06 19:50