For the first time since the launch of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, players can finally add Shiny Koraidon and Shiny Miraidon to their collections. These Legendary Pokémon were previously shiny-locked, making this limited-time distribution one of the most anticipated events in recent memory. What should have been a celebration has instead turned into frustration for many players.
How the Event Works
The distribution event, announced by The Pokémon Company, runs from September 26 to October 16, 2025.
- Pokémon Scarlet players can redeem a Shiny Miraidon.
- Pokémon Violet players can claim a Shiny Koraidon.
Instead of digital distribution, players must pick up physical Mystery Gift code cards from participating retailers. Stores involved include:
- United States – GameStop
- Canada & Australia – EB Games
- Japan – Pokémon Centers
- France – Micromania (delayed)
- Spain – GAME stores
In Japan and South Korea, stores ask players to bring their Nintendo Switch as proof of ownership before handing out codes.
See also: Pokémon Go October 2025 Event Schedule
Why Players Are Frustrated
Fans quickly reported problems. Many stores ran out of codes within hours of opening. Some employees gave multiple codes to individuals or encouraged purchases before handing out a “free” card.
Scalpers took advantage immediately. Codes flooded eBay and other marketplaces within hours. Prices ranged from $10 to over $90, with some bundles reaching $130 in bids. A giveaway intended as a reward became another chance for profiteering.
Issues With In-Person Pokémon Distributions
Players have long criticized in-person Pokémon distributions. Online Mystery Gifts and raid events already exist, so limiting rare Pokémon to physical codes feels outdated.
Other regions handle this better. For example, in the UK, registers print codes directly during checkout, preventing shortages and reducing reselling.
In contrast, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet recently hosted a Shiny Treasures of Ruin Mystery Gift event entirely online. That event went smoothly, proving digital delivery keeps things fair.
Why Shiny Koraidon and Miraidon Are Important
Despite the controversy, this event remains historically significant:
- It marks the first time Shiny Koraidon and Miraidon are legally obtainable in the series.
- Both Pokémon are already prominent in the Scarlet & Violet competitive meta. Their shiny forms don’t affect battle performance but are highly sought after by collectors and VGC enthusiasts alikeData-1.
For many, missing out on these shinies doesn’t just mean losing an aesthetic variant—it means losing a piece of Pokémon history.
See also: Pokémon GO October 2025: All Raid Hours and Raid Bosses
The Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Shiny Distribution Event was meant to excite players but instead highlighted flaws in the current system. Scalpers profited, and many trainers walked away empty-handed.
If The Pokémon Company shifts future giveaways to digital delivery, players worldwide will finally share in the excitement without worrying about scarcity—or resellers.
