Pikachu and Van Gogh merch collab cards being sold on eBay for up to $2,500
Pikachu and Van Gogh was the collaboration we never knew we needed, but now some people are willing to pay almost $2,500 to own it.
Before this month, you might never have thought about what Pikachu might look like in a felt hat, or pictured in a Van Gogh-style portrait.
Now, it's basically all a lot of people can think about.
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The unusual collaboration was announced earlier this month as part of an exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The museum's website explained: "[Pokémon and the Van Gogh Museum] developed various educational activities based on the shared link with Japanese art and culture: Pokémon is a Japanese pop culture icon and Japanese prints were a significant source of inspiration for Vincent van Gogh."
As part of the event, which launched on 28 September, the museum released 'a special Pikachu x Van Gogh Museum promo card to add to your Pokémon collection'.
Created for 'ages six and up', the museum offered a mission to 'follow the clues, complete the quest and hand in your answers' to receive one of the cards.
You have to admit, it sounds like something created to keep young kids busy. But it's certainly not children who are clamoring to get their hands on the cards now.
In the wake of the event, the special edition cards have started popping up online for staggering prices, with some listings reaching almost $2,500.
One of the cards, which shows Pikachu in the grey hat, has been listed on eBay for $2,441. Its condition is described as 'Ungraded - Near mint or better'.
Other cards are listed for $1,800 and $1,200, though you'll be glad to know there are some much more reasonable deals from sellers offering the cards for around $15.
Pokémon was quick to acknowledge the high demand for the cards, as it took to X to share a statement to apologize to those who hadn't been able to get their hands on one.
“We apologize to all the fans eagerly awaiting our Pokémon Center x Van Gogh Museum release today. Due to overwhelming demand, all our products from this collection have sold out.
“We understand this is disappointing to many who were looking to our official email and social media channels for guidance on how and when to purchase.
“We are actively working on ways to provide more ‘Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat’ promo cards for fans shopping at Pokémon Center in the future. Details will be released at a later date. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”
I think Pokémon needs to consider putting hats on some of its other characters - it might have just stumbled upon a goldmine.
Emily Brown