Pokémon vending machines are popping up across the US, offering a convenient way to snag Pokémon TCG products. This guide answers your burning questions about these automated retailers.
What are Pokémon Vending Machines?
These aren't your average snack machines. Pokémon vending machines dispense a range of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) merchandise, including booster packs and Elite Trainer Boxes. Unlike older models, these machines feature touchscreen interfaces, allowing for easy browsing and credit card purchases. Each transaction is accompanied by charming Pokémon animations. Digital receipts are emailed, but returns aren't accepted. The current US models are an evolution of machines initially tested in Washington in 2017.
What do they sell?
Primarily, these machines stock Pokémon TCG products. Expect to find booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and other TCG-related items. Unlike some Pokémon Center vending machines in Washington State (which offered a broader range of merchandise), these focus solely on TCG products. Plushies, apparel, and video games are not typically available.
How to find one near you:
The official Pokémon Center website maintains an up-to-date list of Pokémon TCG vending machine locations across the US. Currently, machines are available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. The website allows you to filter by state to find nearby locations within partner grocery stores, including Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Kroger, Pick 'n Save, Safeway, Smith's, and Tom Thumb. You can also follow the list to receive notifications about new machine installations. Note that distribution is currently concentrated in specific cities within each state.
