The United States Pentagon has installed a Lucky Box vending machine in its food court, offering rare Pokémon cards as prizes for a fee. The machine, which dispenses graded trading cards and sports memorabilia, appeared around Christmas Eve. It highlights the growing intersection of collectibles and chance-based purchases in unexpected locations.
In a surprising addition to one of the world's most secure buildings, the Pentagon food court now features a Lucky Box vending machine stocked with rare Pokémon cards and other collectibles. According to reports from 404 Media, the machine was installed around Christmas Eve in December, turning the military headquarters into an unlikely spot for trading card enthusiasts.
The device operates like a gacha system, where users pay between $100 and $200 for a chance to win prizes displayed on its exterior. Among the potential rewards is the Surging Sparks Pikachu card, featuring a full-art illustration of the Pokémon with a Stellar-type Tera crown. Photos shared on the Army subreddit show a large image of a Charizard card on the machine's side, though it's unclear if that specific card is available inside this unit.
Lucky Box announced the installation via a now-deleted Threads post, promoting the machine's presence in the food court. The company's social media accounts showcase winners from other locations, such as Las Vegas where over 20 machines operate, including those who scored valuable items like a rare Venusaur card or the ancient Mew promo from Pokémon: The First Movie's theatrical release. No big wins from the Pentagon have been posted yet.
This setup underscores the gambling-like nature of Pokémon card collecting, where buyers invest significant sums for uncertain returns. The machine's placement in the Pentagon raises questions about the blend of military routine and commercial entertainment, though it remains under the watchful eye of the facility's security.