Facial Recognition System Coming to Pokémon Card Stores in Japan: A Blow to Scalers

Scalpers, one of the biggest problems with Pokémon Card collecting in Japan, will now face a serious obstacle to entering stores. The Pokémon Company announced that it has made facial recognition mandatory in card stores across the country. This system will be valid for adult customers and children of a certain age and will allow entry to stores only once a day.

What happened?

Within the scope of the new application, customers must undergo a facial scan to enter the store. The system is designed to prevent the same person from logging in more than once a day. If a person tries to log in more than once a day, a warning will appear on the screen and login will be denied. This measure aims to facilitate access to rare cards, especially those produced in limited editions, and to prevent scalpers from monopolizing stocks.

Facial scanning is not mandatory for preschool children, but they will not be able to enter the store without an adult companion. The system will currently only be implemented at Pokémon Card stores in Japan.

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Pokémon Card collecting has gained immense popularity around the world in recent years. However, this increased demand has made it difficult to access limited edition rare cards. Scalers confiscate stock during store opening hours, preventing regular players from getting their hands on rare cards. This led to great disappointment among collectors and players alike.

The activities of the scalers have not only caused stock shortages but also increased shoplifting. Last January, thieves armed with guns and sticks attacked a newly opened Pokémon store and stole over $100,000 worth of collectible cards. As similar incidents increase around the world, access to rare cards has become increasingly difficult.

Why is it important?

The new facial recognition system is seen as an important step that will make Pokémon Card collecting more fair and accessible. Restricting the access of scalers to stores will make it easier for regular players to get their hands on rare cards. Additionally, with the implementation of the system, shop thefts are expected to decrease. This application has the potential to change the balance in the collecting market.

However, it is stated that the system may also bring privacy concerns. The use of facial recognition technology may be met with concern by some customers. To address these concerns, The Pokémon Company announced that the system is only used at store entrances.

What do experts and parties say?

The Pokémon Company said in a statement about the new system, "This step aims to create a safer and fair shopping environment for our collectors." The company stated that the system will only be implemented in stores in Japan and that a similar implementation in stores in other countries is not currently planned. This measure taken against the activities of scalers is considered as a step that will reshape the balances in the collecting market.

What to watch next?

With the implementation of the new facial recognition system, there will be significant changes in the entry procedures for Pokémon Card stores in Japan. Customers will need to undergo a facial scan to enter the store. The effectiveness of this system and customer reactions will be closely monitored. It will also be a matter of curiosity whether The Pokémon Company will launch a similar application in other countries. Collectors and players will be watching to see whether the new system makes it easier to access rare cards and reduces shoplifting.