Pokémon bots, and how to get drops without running one
A Pokémon bot is checkout software that watches Pokémon Center or Target and tries to buy sealed Pokémon TCG product the moment it goes live. Running one yourself means paying for the software, setting up accounts and proxies, and managing it every drop; on R4ACO you can instead join an ACO provider for free, and they run the checkout for you and charge a fee only if you get an order.
Updated
What is a Pokémon bot?
Checkout bots, also called AIO bots or sneaker bots, fill in your details and submit orders faster than a person can. Collectors use them on Pokémon Center and Target drops for Elite Trainer Boxes, booster bundles and special collections that sell out in minutes.
People who run bots for others are called ACO (auto checkout) providers, and they usually work out of a cook group. Read more in what ACO means.
What running your own bot takes
- A paid software license, usually renewed on a schedule.
- Proxies and sometimes a server, so tasks are not all coming from one connection.
- Store accounts, saved addresses and payment methods set up ahead of each drop.
- Time to learn the settings and keep them current as stores change their checkout.
Risks to know
Stores set their own purchase limits and terms, and they can cancel orders or restrict accounts under those policies. No setup, bot or provider can guarantee a sold-out drop.
The no-bot alternative: an ACO provider
If you want the speed without buying, configuring and babysitting software, join an ACO provider. On R4ACO you browse providers, read member reviews and join one free. You pick the items you want and give your details once; the provider handles the checkout. You pay the store’s price for the item and the provider’s fee only after a successful checkout. See Pokémon auto checkout for the full walkthrough.
- Create a free accountSign up on R4ACO with an email, or use the iPhone app. No Discord, bots or software needed.
- Pick a providerBrowse providers in Discover, read member reviews and each provider’s fee and terms, then join one for free.
- Request a slot on a releaseWhen your provider opens a release, choose the items you want and add your shipping and payment details once.
- Let the provider check outThe provider runs fast automated checkout the moment the drop goes live. Follow every request on your drop tracker.
- Pay only if you scoreYou pay the store’s price for the item. The provider’s fee is due only after a successful checkout, and you pay it from the tracker.
Bot vs ACO provider at a glance
- Up-front cost: a bot needs software and proxies; joining a provider on R4ACO is free.
- Setup: a bot needs configuring every drop; a provider needs your details once.
- When you pay: a bot costs the same whether you win or not; a provider’s fee is due only when you score.
Common questions
Do I need a bot to buy Pokémon cards?
No. You can buy at retail yourself, and if drops keep selling out, an ACO provider can check out for you without you running any software.
Is a Pokémon bot the same as ACO?
A bot is the software. ACO is a service where a provider runs that software for you on releases you sign up for.
Do I need Discord, bots or any software?
No. Just an email. Everything happens on the website or the iPhone app. Already on Discord? You can sign in with it and get updates there too, but it’s optional.
Is an order guaranteed?
No one can guarantee a sold-out drop. Providers give you a real shot with fast automated checkout, and you only pay their fee when it works.
How much do providers charge?
Each provider sets its own fee. You see it in their terms before you join and again before you sign up for a release.