Scalpers Selling Mewtwo for Five Figures on eBay
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What Is the Times Square Mewtwo?
The Times Square Mewtwo is a rare variant of the Pokémon Mewtwo from the mobile game Pokémon Go, developed by Niantic. It was obtainable only by attending an invite-only raid event held in Times Square, New York, on August 3, 2024. This exclusive Mewtwo features the Fast Move "Psycho Cut," a move not normally available on Mewtwo in Pokémon Go, making it a highly sought-after collector's item. Scalpers have listed accounts or the Pokémon itself on eBay for five-figure prices, exploiting the scarcity created by the event's limited attendance.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Game | Pokémon Go |
| Developer | Niantic |
| Event Date | August 3, 2024 |
| Event Location | Times Square, New York City |
| Exclusive Move | Psycho Cut (Fast Move) |
| Availability | Invite-only raid; attendees required a code from a prior event or purchase |
| eBay Price Range | $1,000 to $10,000+ (five figures) |
| Typical Listing Type | Full account or trade of the Mewtwo Pokémon |
| Number of Listings (as of Aug 5, 2024) | At least 10 active listings on eBay |
How Are Scalpers Selling the Times Square Mewtwo?
Scalpers are listing the exclusive Mewtwo on eBay either as a full Pokémon Go account containing the Pokémon or as a trade offer where the buyer receives the Mewtwo in-game. Because Mewtwo is a Legendary Pokémon, it can be traded only once per account, and trades require a significant Stardust cost. Sellers often demand payment via PayPal or eBay's system, with prices starting at $1,000 and reaching into five figures. One eBay listing for a Mewtwo account started at $1,000 and had already received multiple bids within hours of the event.
"I'm selling a Mewtwo with Psycho Cut from the Times Square event. Starting bid is $1,000."
— A seller on eBay, as reported by Kotaku (Aug 5, 2024)
What Are the Prices for the Times Square Mewtwo on eBay?
Prices for the Times Square Mewtwo on eBay range from $1,000 to over $10,000. The highest observed listing was $10,000 for a full account containing the Mewtwo and other rare Pokémon. Lower-priced listings typically offer only the Mewtwo via trade, with bids starting around $1,000. As of August 5, 2024, at least 10 active listings were identified, with some sellers using "Buy It Now" options at fixed prices. The average asking price across all listings was approximately $3,500, according to Kotaku's analysis of eBay data.
Is It Legal to Sell a Pokémon Go Account or Pokémon?
Selling Pokémon Go accounts or individual Pokémon violates Niantic's Terms of Service, which prohibit the sale of in-game items or accounts for real-world currency. Niantic has previously banned accounts involved in such transactions. However, enforcement is inconsistent, and the secondary market for rare Pokémon persists. The Times Square Mewtwo listings on eBay are technically against Niantic's rules, but the company has not publicly commented on these specific listings. Niantic's Terms of Service explicitly state that "you may not purchase, sell, or auction any in-game items or accounts."
Who Is This For?
This exclusive Mewtwo is primarily for hardcore Pokémon Go collectors and competitive players who value rare movesets. Scalpers target these enthusiasts, who are willing to pay premium prices to obtain a Pokémon that cannot be acquired through normal gameplay. The ideal buyer is a dedicated player with disposable income who missed the Times Square event and wants to complete their collection or gain a competitive edge in Go Battle League. According to Kotaku, one buyer paid $5,000 for a Times Square Mewtwo account within 24 hours of the event.
Common Questions
Can the Times Square Mewtwo be traded more than once?
No. In Pokémon Go, Legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo can be traded only once per account. After the initial trade, the Mewtwo becomes permanently bound to the receiving account and cannot be traded again.
How did scalpers obtain the Times Square Mewtwo?
Scalpers attended the invite-only Times Square raid event on August 3, 2024, using codes from prior events or purchases. Some may have purchased multiple tickets or used multiple accounts to catch several Mewtwo, then listed the extras on eBay.
Will Niantic ban accounts that buy or sell this Mewtwo?
Niantic has historically banned accounts involved in real-money transactions for in-game items. While enforcement is not guaranteed, buyers and sellers risk permanent account suspension. Niantic has not issued a statement specific to the Times Square Mewtwo listings as of August 5, 2024.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the Kotaku report "Scalpers Selling Pokémon Go's Times Square Mewtwo for Five Figures on eBay After Invite-Only Raid," published on August 5, 2024. All prices, listing counts, and event details are derived from that source. Currency values are in US dollars as reported. No additional sources were used. This article was last updated on August 5, 2024.