Pokémon's 30th Anniversary UPC Release: Target vs. Best Buy

As Nov. 6 nears, many Pokémon Trading Card Game fans are trying to decide how to best approach release day for the 30th Anniversary's Ultra Premium Collection. The product, which comes with 30 packs and two exclusive cards, isn't cheap — and most retailers won't be getting much stock. If you're truly intent on getting the UPC on day one, though, you're probably debating between a Target store versus a Best Buy…

Here's what you need to know.

Purchasing the UPC at Target

- It costs $249.99.

- It will release alongside a number of other new products, like the Delta Reign ETB and the 30th Anniversary Ditto Premium Collection.

- Exact stock will vary by location, but typically, larger stores like Super Target receive more units.

- Target stores historically allow lines after closing, on the day before release. In this case, that would be Thursday.

- Given the demand for the product, you should assume people will be waiting in the parking lot on Thursday prior to closing.

- There is a limit of one item type per person.

- Target considers the Day and Night UPC to be two separate products, so customers could ostensibly purchase both box variants in a single transaction.

- That limit makes it likely that Target will run out of stock quickly, as many customers will purchase the maximum number of products.

- Target stores tend to open earlier than Best Buy. Check your location for exact hours.

- Target has sold the UPC online before, and likely will again. Bots have made online drops a nightmare, but there's a chance the retailer could push the product via its brand-new raffle drawing system.

Purchasing the UPC at Best Buy

- It costs $179.99 — the exact manufacturer's suggested retail price.

- UPCs will also release alongside other major Delta Reign and 30th Anniversary products debuting that day.

- In major cities, Best Buy is expected to receive somewhere between 20 and 90 units total split between the Day and Night variants.

- Since the products are sold at MSRP, lines at Best Buy are extremely competitive. People are already camping outside some locations.

- Best Buy considers both the Day and Night boxes to be the same product, so you have to choose between the two.

- Best Buy's stock will last longer, but the Night version will likely sell out first, judging by the item's market price on resale websites and Espeon's general popularity.

- Best Buy locations open later than Target, but some locations are starting sales an hour earlier. Call your store to make sure you have the right time.

- Best Buy does not sell the UPC online. Physical locations will restock the UPC in the coming weeks, but TCG shipments are generally larger on release day.

Walmart, GameStop, and other 30th Anniversary Options

Target and Best Buy are by no means the only possible options for purchasing UPCs — they're just more prevalent than other retailers selling the product, like Barnes & Noble. A store like GameStop will likely have a UPC near you, but at a $399.99 premium. The video game retailer has also been known to fluctuate its TCG prices in accordance with demand.

Stores like Walmart and Barnes & Noble sometimes go rogue and release products earlier or later than expected. Dick's Sporting Goods is expected to hold a drawing for the UPC, but the retailer has not revealed its prices. Local card shops get significantly less stock than retailers, and many are starting to charge scalper prices. Demand at LCS is slightly lower, though, and some shops will reduce the price if you allow them to cut open the package.

Good luck out there, trainers, and remember: prices for 30th Anniversary singles are tumbling and will likely fall further after the UPC release. If you miss out on launch day, you can always purchase any specific chase card directly without losing sleep and hundreds of dollars.