Discover Pokémon Vending Machines: A Guide to Locations and Treasures

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 retail marvels.

What are Pokémon Vending Machines?

Pokémon vending machines dispense Pokémon merchandise, primarily Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) products. Unlike traditional vending machines, these utilize touchscreens for browsing and purchasing with credit cards. They feature engaging Pokémon animations, enhancing the buying experience. While initially tested in Washington in 2017, their success has led to wider deployment across various US grocery stores.

What do Pokémon Vending Machines Sell?

The majority of US Pokémon vending machines stock Pokémon TCG products, including booster packs and Elite Trainer Boxes. Availability varies, with popular items often selling out quickly. Unlike some earlier models, these machines generally do not sell plushies, apparel, or video games.

How to Find a Pokémon Vending Machine Near You

The official Pokémon Center website maintains an updated list of Pokémon TCG vending machine locations. Currently, machines are available in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin. The website allows you to filter by state to find nearby locations within partner grocery stores such as 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.