What Are Pokemon Vending Machines? What They Sell and How To Find One Near You

If you want to visit a Pokemon vending machine, here's what they sell and how to find the closest one to you.

If you’re a Pokemon fan with any kind of social media account, chances are you’ve started seeing Pokemon vending machine discourse. As The Pokemon Company rolls out more of these machines in the US, Pokemon fans have questions – and we’ve got answers.

What Are Pokemon Vending Machines?

Pokemon vending machines are automated machines that sell a variety of Pokemon merchandise, as easy as grabbing a soda – if not as affordable.

There have been a few different types of vending machines over the years, but the ones currently catching attention in the US are TCG-centered models first tested in Washington back in 2017. The trial was apparently a success, as more grocery store chains across the US have been added to the list in the last couple of years.

The machines are pretty eye-catching, with bright colors and clear Pokemon branding. I was able to visit one in a Kroger grocery store recently, and it was easy to spot right inside the store entrance.

The machines use a touch screen rather than the older button-press vending machine style. You can browse available TCG items and make your selections, then check out using a credit card. The process includes several adorable Pokemon animations that make it quite fun to browse and buy a pack of cards – or several.

The machine will ask for an email where you can get a digital receipt of your purchase. However, The Pokemon Company does not accept returns of TCG merchandise bought at these machines.