Target Launches Lottery System for Pokémon Products
Shoppers can enter a timed lottery for Pokémon items, with winners chosen at random after the entry window closes.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Board Games
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Target has launched a lottery-based system on its website for selling Pokémon products, giving fans a set window to express interest before winners are randomly selected. The first product is a Scarlet and Violet: Destined Rivals three-pack priced at $14.99, with the first drop closing on November 4.
Why it matters
The lottery format aims to give more shoppers a fair chance at high-demand collectibles rather than rewarding whoever acts fastest. Target's approach follows a similar lottery model Walmart has used to sell Pokémon cards.
The first drop is a Scarlet and Violet: Destined Rivals three-pack blister pack priced at $14.99 and closes on November 4. Items won through the lottery cannot be returned or exchanged, and unselected guests may get another chance if more inventory becomes available.
The players
Target
Target is a large American general merchandise retailer that operates stores nationwide and an online shopping website.
Walmart
Walmart is a major American retailer that operates a large network of stores and online shopping, and has used a similar lottery system to sell Pokémon cards.
The details
Fans express interest in a product during a set window of time, and Target takes all entries once that period ends and randomly selects winners. Users are not charged automatically when entering, but winners are given a deadline to complete their purchases.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: First Target Pokémon lottery drop closes.
Culture Shift
Target's lottery mirrors Walmart's existing Pokémon card lottery, extending a sales model designed to curb scalping and bot-driven buying of high-demand collectibles. Target plans to expand the system to in-demand items such as 30th Anniversary collection products and Ascended Heroes.
Shoppers who want the Scarlet and Violet three-pack must enter during the open window and be selected at random, since the purchase cannot be returned or exchanged. Guests not chosen may get another opportunity if Target releases more inventory.
The takeaway
Fans hoping to buy hot Pokémon products should expect a random-selection process rather than first-come purchasing, so watching for the entry window and deadlines helps.
What happens next
The first Target Pokémon lottery drop closes on November 4, 2026, and Target plans to expand the lottery to more in-demand products.
Further reading
For more on collectible card and tabletop releases, see Board Games.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Polygon.
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