Pokémon vending machines bring the hype to Kelowna

If you’ve been out and about in Kelowna lately, you might have noticed a new kind of excitement tucked into your favorite local spots: Pokémon capsule and card vending machines.

Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just chasing a little nostalgia, these machines are bringing the thrill of the hunt to businesses across town.

"Sometimes it's kids, sometimes it's adults. There's more and more kids getting into it these days than ever. I think it's more popular now than when it was back in the day," owner and operator Tim Reimer told Ara from 103.1 Beach Radio. They met at Airhouse Sports Academy, which is one of over 20 vending machine locations around the city.

Each machine is packed with a mix of Japanese holo cards, vintage finds, and modern must-haves. The machines offer a guaranteed hit for every four tries—so no one leaves empty-handed.

"I've seen kids open up packs and spend hundreds of dollars and get a ten or two dollar card," he said. "We want to do it so the kids can get a guaranteed hit and for parents to have a good time doing it as well."

Watch the video to find out more about them and see if Ara can get a hit!