These machines are convenient and all but I constantly see scalpers clean them out, sometimes before the merchandiser has even left. Granted they're usually only after the 50 or so Evolving Skies booster packs they put in them. If TPCI keeps printing high volumes of newer product then this issue...
Pokebeach and Serebii were my go to websites when info for Black & White was releasing in Japan. I'll always remember checking here and being excited to see the new Gen 5 mons. I still browse here to stay up to date on the TCG. Congratulations on 20 years!
The familiar Black Star symbol is still there to the right of the promo number but it seems kind of redundant with the SVP to the left. I mean I would prefer to hang onto the star anyway just because it's instantly recognizable but that's not very efficient use of card space.
The price increase was inevitable. While of course no one should be happy when it goes up, I am relieved that it was a reasonable amount. Coupled with the restructuring of the pull rate, I think the increase is more than fair. Could have been much worse.
This might be the biggest restructuring of the TCG since Nintendo acquired it from Wizards. While I'll miss the yellow borders and set symbols because of nostalgia, I think it makes sense to finally move on from them. The non-holo rares can eff off into oblivion though