A new CT scanner service is causing a stir in the Pokémon trading card community. This technology allows collectors to see the contents of unopened packs before purchasing, sparking debate about its impact on the market. Let's delve into the fan reactions and potential market consequences.
Pokémon Card Market Roiled by CT Scanner Reveal
Is Your Pokémon Guessing Game About to Become a Hot Commodity?
A company, Industrial Inspection and Consulting (IIC), is offering a service to identify the Pokémon cards within unopened booster packs using industrial CT scanning. For around $70, collectors can bypass the thrill of the reveal and know exactly what they're getting. IIC's YouTube promotional video showcasing this technology has ignited passionate discussions within the Pokémon TCG fanbase.The high value of rare Pokémon cards, some fetching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, fuels the intense interest. The scarcity and desirability of these cards, especially those with designer signatures, have led to extreme situations, as evidenced by reports of harassment faced by a prominent illustrator earlier this year.
The Pokémon card market has become a significant investment arena, attracting those seeking potentially lucrative long-term gains.
Reactions to IIC's service are mixed. Some see the pre-opening scan as a valuable tool, while others express concerns about its potential to disrupt market integrity and possibly even inflate prices. Many commentators on the YouTube video expressed feelings of unease or disapproval.
One amusing comment highlighted the potential shift in demand: "Finally, my 'Who's That Pokémon?' skills are going to be highly sought after!"