Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via The Pokémon Company

Fan claims rare Pokémon Yellow game was completely destroyed by US Customs

This is a mistake worth a few thousand dollars.

The Pokémon franchise has been around for the last 27 years, with the earlier games being considered collectibles as time goes on. As with other collectibles, players can choose to get an older game graded and sealed if they have no intention of playing it to up the value. But one player recently claimed they had their graded Pokémon Yellow game destroyed when passing through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Recommended Videos

In a tweet posted by System Shock game director Stephen Kick, he claims that a friend of his had their graded copy of Pokémon Yellow destroyed when passing through U.S. Customs. They said the CBP officers ripped off the seal provided by the grading service, broke the case into four pieces, and cut up the original game box.

The game was officially graded by Wata Games, who offer professional services for collectors to establish authenticity in their items. Based on prices for graded versions of Pokémon Yellow on eBay, this could be a $2,000 loss at a minimum. Some of the prices for the graded version of the game on the site go for much more.

It seems that the CBP has a process for requesting a claim on property damage or loss, although it’s unclear how much it will value the game. If the original owner is unable to get a couple thousand for the destruction of the game, it’s likely that they’ll end up taking a significant loss because of negligence on behalf of the CBP officers.

Some have posited that the officers might have taken issue with a battery in the cartridge or thought that the game might be hiding drugs. Kick even joked that they must not have approved of the work of Wata Games. Whatever the reason, this is a significant mistake that has irreparably damaged a piece of gaming history.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Christian Harrison
Christian Harrison
Christian is a freelance writer of five years who's been with Dot Esports for over 15 months covering Fortnite, general gaming, and news. Some of his favorite games include Yakuza 0, The Witcher III, Kingdom Hearts 2, and Inscryption.