Scopely Explore has threatened immediate account bans for Pokémon Go players selling ultra-exclusive Mewtwo characters on eBay. The developer issued this warning after attendees of a 10th anniversary event in New York City began listing the rare Pokémon—which feature perfect “hundo” stats and a unique Times Square background—for prices ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, according to a spokesperson for the company cited by IGN.
The Times Square Mewtwo Controversy
The conflict stems from an invitation-only celebration in New York where approximately 2,000 people—including media, influencers, and Community Ambassadors (CAs)—captured a special Mewtwo. Unlike standard gameplay, this event provided a guaranteed perfect “hundo” Pokémon. This move sparked backlash among the broader player base, as it coincided with a weekend of Mewtwo raids where regular players had to spend raid passes and time for a mere chance at a similar result.
Community Ambassadors are vetted, unpaid superfans who work with Scopely Explore to galvanize local players. Many CAs were invited to the event and allowed to bring guests. However, the subsequent sale of these rewards has created a rift within the community.
Did you know? “Hundo” is community shorthand for a Pokémon with 100% Individual Values (IVs) in all three stats, making it the most powerful version of that species.
eBay Listings and Terms of Service Violations
According to reports from IGN, completed eBay listings show these unique Mewtwo selling for up to $5,000, with some active bids reaching $10,000. These transactions violate the Scopely Explore Terms of Service, which strictly prohibit the selling or sharing of accounts and Pokémon.
The listings also highlight the use of “flying,” a term used by players who spoof their in-game location to complete trades from distant locations. This activity is also a banned practice within the game’s ecosystem.
Pokémon Go player SchaferQuest777 noted on X (formerly Twitter) that the situation is particularly damaging to the Community Ambassador program. “Being a CA heavy event, like I said – NOT a good look at all for the program,” the user wrote, suggesting that the developer could easily identify offenders by tracking which accounts no longer possess the unique Mewtwo.
Comparing Event Rewards vs. Standard Gameplay
| Feature | Times Square Event | Standard Raids |
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Guaranteed “Hundo” | Random/RNG |
| Cosmetics | Unique TS Background | Standard Background |
| Access | Invitation Only | Open to All |
Pro Tip: To avoid account bans, never share your login credentials or use third-party “spoofing” software to alter your location. These actions are primary triggers for permanent account removal.
Future Risks for High-Value Digital Assets
This incident underscores the volatility of “exclusive” digital rewards in live-service games. When developers grant high-value assets to a small group, it creates an immediate secondary market. For Scopely Explore, the challenge is balancing the reward for loyal ambassadors with the risk of incentivizing “black market” trades.
If the developer follows through with the “immediate ban” threat, it could result in the loss of veteran accounts, potentially alienating the very superfans the company relies on to galvanize local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell Pokémon Go accounts or Pokémon?
No. According to Scopely Explore’s Terms of Service, selling or sharing accounts and Pokémon is strictly prohibited and can lead to an immediate ban.
What is “flying” in Pokémon Go?
“Flying” refers to the act of using software to spoof a GPS location, allowing a player to appear as if they are in a different city or country to complete trades or catch specific Pokémon.
Why was the Times Square Mewtwo so valuable?
It featured a unique cosmetic background and guaranteed perfect “hundo” stats, making it a rare collector’s item that is not available through normal gameplay.
What do you think about the sale of exclusive event rewards? Should Scopely ban all involved, or is the frustration misplaced? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more gaming industry updates.
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