A recent promotional event for Pokémon Go's 10th anniversary, which granted invited players a rare Mewtwo with exceptional stats in New York's Times Square, has led to the creature appearing on eBay with staggering price tags.
Scopely, through community ambassadors, invited approximately 2,000 players to the exclusive event. Attendees were only notified of the location the evening before and participated in a raid to capture Mewtwo. This exclusive version of the Pokémon not only featured a special Times Square background but also boasted perfect “Hundo” stats, making it highly desirable.
The approach has drawn criticism from some players who feel it contradicts the game's global and community-focused spirit. In-person events offering such powerful rewards are uncommon, and the exclusivity has irked international players.
Following the event, listings for the "Times Square Mewtwo" began appearing on eBay. While many are priced around $5,000, some resellers are seeking as much as $10,000. Although selling such exclusive in-game items technically violates Pokémon Go's terms of service, the potential financial gain appears to be a significant motivator for some.
One reseller, Brendan Blyth, also known as "LegoMasterBuild," posted a listing and later apologized for it. Blyth stated he was a participant in the event and found it to be an "amazing experience," wishing for broader participation.
This incident adds to the broader trend of Pokémon-related items becoming speculative assets. The fervor around Pokémon collectibles has intensified, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with fans and collectors treating items as investments. Niantic, the game's original creator, has seen changes, including a sale to Scopely last year, after struggling to replicate Pokémon Go's success with other titles.