The craze has reached a new high with players of "Pokémon Legends: Z-A," who spend hundreds of dollars in pursuit of these rare, alternate-colored creatures. Despite the ease of obtaining Shiny through the Shiny charm and Shiny duplication glitch, others still want the easiest route to get one.
While the thrills of encountering a Shiny are part of this game's magic, for more and more fans today, online marketplaces represent their quickest way to bragging rights.
The Growing Market of Shiny Pokémon
Shiny Pokémon have always been more desirable for their appearance rather than their use in battles. In "Pokémon Legends: Z-A," that fascination has exploded into a full-blown online economy. Players are listing Shiny Pokémon on eBay for anywhere from a few dollars up to several hundred, depending on the rarity, stats, and if they come as part of complete Shiny collections.
Some listings go as far as to show Pokémon with perfect IVs, further driving up prices. According to eBay's sales history, many of these high-priced listings actually sold, proving the demand for Shiny Pokémon isn't just hype, but a growing niche market among collectors and hardcore fans.
Why Shiny Hunting Feels Easier in 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A'
According to fans, hunting Shinies in "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" is somewhat easier compared to previous generations. This is thanks to a mix of improved game mechanics and a few helpful glitches that increase the chances of stumbling upon some rare Pokémon. This could mean that dedicated players can spend hours scouring the open world, hoping to spot the telltale sparkle that signifies a Shiny encounter.
Not everyone, however, has the time or patience to manually hunt Shinies-and that's where the online sellers come in, offering instant access for a price.
The Dark Side of Buying Shiny Pokémon
While tempting, players should be cautious as they invest in super rare Pokémon. Not all the Pokémon listed online are genuine. According to GameRant, some sellers use modification tools or hacking to create perfect Shiny Pokémon, creating questions of authenticity that have pushed developers to pursue legal action against offenders.
Some people called it "genned" Pokémon. Sometimes, that's not the worst part. It's distinguishing the legit Pokémon from modified ones.
Even for legitimate purchases, there's another limitation: Pokémon obtained through such transactions can't be transferred to older titles. That means buyers may find their prized Shinies stuck in one game forever.
As we approach December, fans wait for the upcoming Mega Dimension DLC expansion. There are many Pokémon games you can play during the holidays.
In fact, you can also try "Pokémon Pokopia," but that means waiting until March 5.
