A recent promotional video showcasing a CT scanner capable of revealing the contents of unopened Pokémon card packs has ignited a firestorm of debate among collectors. Let's delve into the fan reactions and potential market implications.
Pokémon Card Market Roiled by CT Scanner Reveal
Your Pokémon Guessing Game Just Got a Whole Lot More Valuable
Industrial Inspection and Consulting (IIC) is offering a service to identify the Pokémon cards within unopened packs using advanced CT scanning technology. For around $70, they claim to reveal the cards' contents without damaging the packaging. This has sparked considerable online discussion within the Pokémon community.
IIC's YouTube video demonstrating this technology has polarized opinions. The high value of rare Pokémon cards, some fetching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, is a key factor in this controversy. The intense demand, exemplified by recent reports of harassment faced by a prominent card illustrator from scalpers, highlights the stakes involved.
The Pokémon card market is a significant investment niche, with many seeking cards expected to appreciate in value. While some collectors see the pre-opening scan as a potential advantage, others express concerns. Comments on IIC's video range from feelings of "disgust" and a perceived threat to the market's integrity to outright skepticism.
The potential for market manipulation, both inflation and deflation, is a major point of contention. However, one humorous response highlights the potential upside: "Finally, my 'Who's That Pokémon?' skills are going to be highly sought after!"
