Missed Pokémon Go’s Times Square event? That Mewtwo could cost you a used Honda

Pokémon Go’s highly debated Times Square Mewtwo ignited a wave of criticism almost instantly after its limited release, and the controversy has surged anew as recent eBay listings for the elusive creature appear on the market at staggering prices.

On July 9, Niantic staged a surprise, in‑person gathering in the heart of Times Square, inviting roughly 1,000 players—including Community Ambassadors, their guests, and hand‑picked content creators—to receive a special edition of the legendary Pokémon. Participants walked away with a Mewtwo that boasted a unique Times Square backdrop and flawless IVs, a combination that had never before been available to the broader player base.

Today, Pokémon Go enthusiasts have spotted eBay ads for the Times Square Mewtwo, with two standout listings fetching $3,250 and a jaw‑dropping $10,100 respectively—prices that could buy a pre‑owned car or a luxury watch. Both auctions are still active, drawing bids from collectors eager to own a piece of the game’s most talked‑about moment.

What sets this Mewtwo apart is not only its exclusive Times Square backdrop, visible on the Pokémon’s information page, but also its perfect IVs. However, when a Pokémon is traded, its IVs reset, meaning that a buyer would receive only the rare background. Whether a $10,000 price tag is justified for such a feature remains a matter of debate among the community.

While eBay listings may seem like a barometer of market value, they rarely mirror what buyers are actually willing to pay. Sellers can set any price they wish, and even winning bids in active auctions can fall through if the bidder fails to complete payment. These listings, however, have become a focal point in the heated debate over Niantic’s choice to reserve Mewtwo for a select group of invited participants.

The July 9 Times Square celebration featured a full-scale recreation of the game’s original trailer, followed by a dramatic Mewtwo takeover of the plaza where the legendary Pokémon lit up the giant screens. Attendees joined forces to defeat Mega Mewtwo Y in a Mega Raid, then captured the creature itself—an immaculate, perfect‑IV “hundo” that many players consider the pinnacle of Pokémon quality.

The decision sparked widespread backlash, as “hundos” represent the strongest possible iteration of a Pokémon and are highly coveted. Historically, exclusive rewards at in‑person events have been limited to cosmetic items such as location‑specific backgrounds or themed costumes. Offering a gameplay‑advantaged Pokémon felt unjust to many, but the sheer exclusivity was the main source of outrage.

“A 10th anniversary is supposed to celebrate the entire community, yet it was limited to a small group of invited guests with no fair way for the average player to attend,” one player wrote in a YouTube comment. “Not everyone is a content creator or personally connected to a Community Ambassador.”

Niantic has yet to address the growing backlash or comment on the recent eBay advertising controversy.

In a bid to appease affected players, the company announced a makeup event for trainers in regions that struggled to join raids during the Pokémon GO Fest 2026 Global event.

We will keep you updated if Niantic releases further statements concerning the Mewtwos issue.