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Pokémon Go Players Resell Exclusive “Times Square Mewtwo” on eBay for Up to $10,000
Pokémon Go players have begun reselling a rare, event-exclusive Mewtwo on eBay for as much as $10,000, sparking controversy over the game’s terms of service and the exclusivity of its 10th-anniversary celebration. The Mewtwo, awarded to attendees of an invitation-only event in New York City’s Times Square, features perfect “hundo” stats and a unique background, making it a highly coveted item in the game’s collector community.
The listings, which include prices ranging from $500 to $10,000, have drawn criticism from fans who argue that the event prioritized select players over the broader community. Scopely, the game’s current developer, has stated that selling or sharing Pokémon is prohibited under its terms of service, with violators facing account bans.
Exclusive Event Yields Rare Mewtwo for 2,000 Attendees
To commemorate Pokémon Go’s 10th anniversary, Scopely organized an invitation-only event in Times Square, where approximately 2,000 players—primarily community ambassadors, media, and influencers—gathered to participate in a raid against a Mewtwo Mega Evolving
spectacle. Attendees who completed the battle were rewarded with a Mewtwo featuring “hundo” (100% perfect) stats and a Times Square-themed background.
The event, which recreated the game’s original 2015 trailer, was designed to avoid overcrowding by limiting participation. However, the exclusivity of the reward has fueled backlash. Critics argue that the Mewtwo’s unique traits—such as its perfect stats and rare background—undermine the game’s inclusive spirit, particularly as other players face challenges in obtaining similar Pokémon through standard gameplay.
Resale Market Sparks Outrage, Despite Scopely’s Rules
The Times Square Mewtwo has quickly become a target for resellers, with eBay listings showing the Pokémon priced as high as $10,000. While most listings hover around $5,000, some sellers have pushed the asking price to unprecedented levels. The scarcity of the item—described as fewer than 2,300 in existence—has further driven demand.
Brendan Blyth, a player who attended the event and later posted a Mewtwo listing on eBay, apologized for the action, calling the experience “amazing” and expressing regret for violating the game’s rules. I wish everyone was able to participate,
he said. Despite his apology, the resale activity has highlighted tensions between the game’s community-driven ethos and the commercialization of in-game items.
Scopely has emphasized that selling Pokémon is a breach of its terms of service, with a spokesperson stating, Trainers found doing so are subject to an immediate ban.
However, the company has not yet disclosed whether it plans to investigate or penalize specific sellers.
For more on this story, see Pokémon Pitch Black Expansion Reveals Mega Darkrai ex & New Product Tiers for July 2026.
Broader Criticism of Event’s Exclusivity and Game’s Evolution
The event has drawn criticism for its lack of accessibility, with fans accusing Scopely of favoring influencers and select players over the general community. A Twitter user known as SchaferQuest777 wrote, It’s time Scopely takes a hard look at things like this,
arguing that the event’s focus on community ambassadors (CAs) wasn’t a good look.
The controversy reflects broader concerns about Pokémon Go’s shift under Scopely, which acquired the game’s developer, Niantic, in 2025. While the company has emphasized community-building and in-person events, some players feel the focus has shifted toward monetization. The resale of the Times Square Mewtwo underscores these tensions, as the game’s growing popularity has fueled a speculative market for rare items.
History of Pokémon Go’s Popularity and Challenges
Since its 2016 launch, Pokémon Go has faced challenges ranging from server crashes to safety concerns. Early on, police warned players to avoid distractions while catching Pokémon, and connectivity issues plagued the game’s early years. However, the game rebounded during the pandemic, with its social and outdoor focus resonating with players. Scopely’s acquisition of Niantic’s games business in 2025 marked a new chapter, though the company has struggled to replicate Pokémon Go’s success with other titles like Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Despite this, Pokémon Go remains a cultural phenomenon, with its 10th-anniversary event drawing global attention. For now, the resale of the item serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between gaming, community, and commerce in the digital age.
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