August 11, 2026, 3:41 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Sometimes, when going through drawers or boxes, you come across long-forgotten technology. Alongside cables or old consoles, you might find games that were never meant for regular sale. Recently, such a game from the Pokémon universe was discovered on eBay, sparking particular interest.
A Rare Collector’s Item Discovered
The listing originated from Glinde near Hamburg and included “PokéPark Tsuri Taikai DS,” also known as “PokéPark Fishing Rally DS.” This fishing mini-game was not sold in 2005 but was only available through the Nintendo DS’s Download Play feature at the Japanese PokéPark. Later, it was also available at Pokémon Centers and the Pokémon Festa 2005.
The gameplay was simple: players could cast their line and earn points based on the Pokémon they caught. The download was lost when the device was turned off and was usable for a maximum of twelve hours, making the game a rarity.
Pokémon Cards That Are Worth a Fortune
Old Technology That Is Now Really Valuable
Unknown Content and Special Design
The listing does not clarify whether the cartridge contains the full game. The screen shows a Japanese view for a high score leaderboard and an attempt to connect. The card may have been used for receiving or transmitting competition results. No additional playable content is visible.
Externally, the card stands out from typical Nintendo DS games. The larger black casing labeled “DS Flash Card SR512M” indicates special test hardware. A slide switch allows toggling between two ROM settings, suggesting test or development hardware.
Also of interest: From Game Boy Game to Mass Phenomenon–The History of Pokémon
Successful Sale
How the cartridge ended up in Germany remains unclear. The seller acquired it along with other items from a private collection. The auction on eBay concluded successfully with a sale price of 9,505 euros, after starting at 7,999 euros. The buyer and the further whereabouts of the cartridge are unknown.