Mewtwos in Times Square are being sold for thousands by Pokémon Go influencers.

In early July, Pokémon Go enthusiasts were dismayed to learn that the game’s 10th anniversary was being marked by an exclusive Mewtwo event hosted by the developer. Just a week later, that frustration has intensified as players who were treated like VIPs have started reselling event merchandise.

To recap, the Global Pokémon Go Fest kicked off with a dramatic stunt where Mewtwo ‘escaped’ captivity. After being absent for several hours, the legendary Pokémon took over Times Square. Attendees who managed to complete the raid were rewarded with a special Mewtwo featuring perfect stats and a unique Times Square background.

This event was a nostalgic nod to Pokémon Go’s first trailer, which famously showcased trainers battling a powerful Mewtwo in Times Square. However, despite the heartfelt homage, fans were far from satisfied: the event was exclusive to Pokémon Go influencers and press. While regular players would eventually have the chance to participate in their own Mewtwo raids, the creatures they encountered wouldn’t be ‘hundos’ with the special background. Many fans felt that linking such a significant milestone to an exclusive event contradicted the inclusive spirit that propelled Pokémon Go’s success in 2016.

To make matters worse, the sought-after Mewtwo has turned into a pricey resale item. Listings on eBay for Times Square Mewtwos range from $500 to $5,000, with the higher-end prices reserved for shiny ‘hundo’ Mewtwos, which are even rarer than the special variant. Players can spend years in Pokémon Go without encountering many flawless stat monsters, let alone legendaries that meet those criteria. Additionally, Mewtwos with flying abilities are also fetching high prices on resale platforms.

The demand for Mewtwos with specific backgrounds has created a thriving online market, but most listings from standard events sell for $40 or less. One eBay listing notes that there are fewer than 2,300 Times Square Mewtwos, making them a relatively rare find. Watching influencers turn a unique reward into a lucrative opportunity must be disheartening for long-time fans who already felt sidelined by the Times Square event.

An exclusive legendary with perfect stats has left average fans feeling overlooked.