A new CT scanner capable of revealing the contents of unopened Pokémon card packs has ignited a firestorm of debate among collectors. A recent promotional video from Industrial Inspection and Consulting (IIC) showcases this technology, sparking discussions about its impact on the Pokémon card market. For around $70, IIC offers to identify the Pokémon within a pack without opening it.
This service has elicited a wide range of reactions. While some see potential benefits in pre-purchase scanning, others express concern about the integrity of the trading card market. The fear is that this technology could artificially inflate prices or devalue the thrill of the unknown. Skepticism also remains among a portion of the community.
The high value of rare Pokémon cards, some fetching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, fuels the controversy. The intense demand, as evidenced by recent reports of harassment faced by a prominent illustrator, underscores the significant financial stakes involved. The potential for this technology to disrupt this market is a major point of contention.
One humorous comment highlights the potential shift in value from guessing skills to technological analysis: "Finally, my 'Who's That Pokémon?' skills are going to be highly sought after!" The debate continues, with the future impact of this CT scanning service remaining uncertain. The image below further illustrates the controversy.
