Video games are much more than just a medium of passing time or a meager hobby. In the modern era, interactive media has become a part of everyday life and even a means of livelihood for many. It is a much-needed escape. Games such as Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Pokemon were the catalysts for the inception of gaming culture back in the 80s-90s.
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Among these, Pokemon is one of the biggest IPs of all time. The game revolving around collecting cute yet fierce monsters and battling them for glory took the world by storm. The first Pokemon game released back in 1996 spawned a plethora of adaptations and paved the path for a legendary franchise that is still going strong.
One of the most significant media in the Pokemon franchise other than the games is anime. Ever since the release of the first Pokemon, an anime series based on the games has been going alongside the main series titles. But there was a time when the games followed the anime and gave tribute in the shape of Pokemon Yellow.
Fan devastated as customs ruin a high-value copy of Pokemon Yellow
The Yellow version, released in 1998, followed the story of the first season of the anime adaptation. Being a dark horse in the franchise, the title holds a high value in the collector’s market of Pokemon. According to CBR, a copy of this game, in mint condition, in a sealed cover, and which is graded, may be worth somewhere around $10,000.
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Getting one’s hands on such a copy will be fortune and losing will be equally devastating. Unfortunately, the latter became a reality for a certain fan. On Twitter, user Stephen Kick shared that his friend had to experience this due to carelessness from customs officers. The Tweet read, “Friend of mine received this sealed and graded original copy of Pokemon Yellow…
US Customs:
Broke the acrylic case
Ripped and discarded the seal
SLICED the front of the box off.”
How did the fans react?
This outrageous behavior from the officials made the fans rage on social media. Some even suggested filing a lawsuit against the customs.
100% should sue for damages… Customs destroyed a collector’s item
This is not ok
— Zack Holloway (@Dr_Zevil666) January 20, 2023
I really hope your friend will sue them and take them to court this is beyond disgusting behavior by the customs worker
— Armond (@Armond187) January 20, 2023
Many had started speculating about what may have happened. A user said, “So … either they hated the battery inside the cartridge … or they thought it’d contain drugs or something?” The response to this was equally hilarious. “Maybe they thought a Pikachu was trapped inside?” The Twitter thread was filled with fans expressing their distaste about the situation.
Can US Customs just destroy things without recourse?
— Jasper 'Lope – Enough is Enough 🐀 (@Jasperlope) January 19, 2023
This is horrifying. Breaking the case? Ok. But Good Lord they ripped the cover of that game entirely.
Did they seriously think Pikachu was that dangerous? They acted like he had explosives.
— Roberto| #videogames 🇵🇷 🇺🇲🇺🇦 (@jehuty88) January 20, 2023
Oh I dont care about wata and its grading but seeing a pristine copy be destroyed like this hurts very badly
— Dennispls (@3Dennispls) January 20, 2023
When they scan old tech it doesnt show up in their database so they start assuming crazy bomber shit. Oh and TSA are basically just Walmart employees on a power trip.
— T.j. Cadillac (@Locustswarm23) January 20, 2023
Is the 9.2 rating based on before or after customs chopped it up… Asking because you never know with wata
— Tafty (@Tafty87) January 19, 2023
What are your thoughts on this? Share them in the comments below.
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Written by
Edited by
Jito Tenson