Pokemon Fever Sends Australian Shoppers Into Crowds Ahead Of 30th Anniversary Release

A long queue of shoppers stretches through a mall corridor as people wait for the release of Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration.

Video filmed by X user Cherimu shows shoppers standing beside glass storefronts, benches and retail displays, while more people walk through the corridor carrying bags and trolleys.

Cherimu posted the clip on September 16, 2026, describing the Pokémon line in Australia as “wildin.” The exact mall was not confirmed in the original post.

The footage comes as Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration prepared for its worldwide launch on September 16, including in Australia.

Stock was expected at BIG W, Kmart, Target, Toymate and specialty stores, with more than 56,000 units reported across 425 Australian stores.

Fans were reported to be lining up overnight, while products sold out within minutes. One shopper left a Kmart queue after seeing about 100 people already waiting at 5:20 a.m.

Huge queues were also reported in several countries, with demand driven in part by resale. Some Australian specialty stores had already pre-sold Elite Trainer Boxes and told customers not to queue for them.