U.S. Customs Allegedly Ruins One-of-50 Tsukihime Trial Edition Disk
For collectors of rare video games, nothing is more exciting — or nerve-wracking — than acquiring a hard-to-find item from abroad. But for one devoted fan, what should have been a moment of triumph quickly turned into heartbreak when a prized artifact arrived damaged beyond repair, apparently at the hands of U.S. Customs.
Philip Peng, who goes by the Twitter handle “Keripo,” recently shared the shocking discovery: his copy of the Tsukihime Trial Edition demo — one of only 50 copies ever produced — arrived in pieces. According to Peng, the protective packaging had been removed, and the floppy disk inside was torn to shreds, as if someone had handled it with disregard for its value. Adding to the frustration, the package was marked with tape indicating it had been “Opened and resealed by customs.”
Peng, a careful collector, emphasized that the seller had gone to great lengths to ensure the item’s safety during shipping. The package had been well-padded, and pictures were provided to show that it left Portugal in pristine condition. Yet despite these precautions, the rare disk did not survive its journey. Peng also noted that the package had been held for additional inspection by customs prior to delivery, further fueling suspicion that the damage occurred while under governmental scrutiny.
The significance of this incident extends beyond the personal loss of a collector. The Tsukihime Trial Edition is a particularly valuable piece of video game history. Developed by Type-Moon, the demo offers a glimpse into the studio’s earliest work before it rose to fame. While modern versions and remakes of Tsukihime exist for contemporary consoles, the trial edition provides a rare look at the creative process in its infancy. For historians and preservationists, such artifacts are essential for understanding how classic titles evolved from early prototypes into polished products.
Released in 1999 at Japan’s Comiket convention for just 100 yen, only 50 copies of this trial edition were ever made. Over the years, surviving copies have become highly sought-after by collectors, not simply for their gameplay but for their historical value. The destruction of even a single disk represents an irreplaceable loss, both in terms of rarity and cultural preservation. With Peng’s copy destroyed, there may now be only 49 intact examples left in existence.
This situation also highlights a tension that often accompanies international shipping of collectibles. While online shopping allows enthusiasts to access rare items that would otherwise be unavailable locally, it introduces risks beyond normal shipping hazards. Customs inspections, while a standard part of international logistics, can inadvertently put fragile or historically important items at risk. In Peng’s case, it appears that the inspection process may have gone beyond mere examination, resulting in the physical destruction of a unique item.
The reaction from the collector community has been one of shock and dismay. Many have expressed concern about the broader implications of such incidents, suggesting that the fear of similar damage could discourage collectors from seeking rare international items. Others emphasize the importance of documenting, photographing, and protecting shipments to preserve proof of an item’s condition before it enters potentially risky transit channels.
Peng has indicated that he plans to file a formal report regarding the incident, although it remains unclear whether any resolution or compensation will be possible. Regardless of the outcome, the event underscores the fragility of rare gaming artifacts and the challenges collectors face in ensuring that these pieces of history survive the modern logistics process.
For fans of retro gaming, the loss is more than monetary. The Tsukihime Trial Edition isn’t just a game; it’s a historical record of a studio at the beginning of its journey. Each surviving copy represents an opportunity to study and appreciate the origins of Type-Moon’s enduring legacy. The destruction of one such disk serves as a cautionary tale about the risks inherent in collecting and preserving video game history in the digital age.
While the community mourns the loss, it also reinforces the value of diligent preservation, careful handling, and awareness of potential hazards when obtaining rare collectibles internationally. As one of only 50 copies ever made, the Tsukihime Trial Edition will continue to be cherished by those fortunate enough to possess it — and its destruction will remain a stark reminder of just how delicate the line between history and loss can be.
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