Oh boy :(

So last week I finally decided to buy a copy of Pokemon Emerald for the Game Boy Advance. In order to keep my collection in mint shape, I always look for new games or used ones that are complete, with box and manual. I was having a hard time finding Emerald in these conditions for cheap...until a certain website offered a new copy for $19.99 + $5 shipping. $25, brand new? What a deal!

Or so I thought. I just received a shipping confirmation e-mail, with a tracking number that ends in 'HK'. As soon as I saw that, I knew what was going on. A quick search in Google confirmed my fears; buyportablegames.com sells illegal, pirated copies of games. So, a 'new' and fake Pokemon Emerald is on its way to me, and will erase itself every 15 hours of playtime or so. Why even bother.

According to other people's misfortunes, Paypal (the payment method I used) doesn't offer refunds for illegal software, since, according to them, it's my duty to make sure these items are official. As much as it angers me they're right; I should've done the research BEFORE buying the game.

So I wasted $25. I want to get the game though; I'll just buy a new one at WalMart to keep it safe. And, now I have to think of how to get rid of the fake game; I don't want it to roam the streets and fall on the hands of a little Pokefan, happy to get the game, only to be dissapointed when his or her file is erased; ugh.

In closing, beware of buyportablegames.com and many, MANY Amazon / Ebay sellers that pirate GBA titles. As you may recall, I hardly ever hate anything, but piracy I do hate, with a passion; imagine how angry it makes me to be the victim of this thoughtless crime that I hate. Let me tell you; it feels horrible. But, one thing's for sure; I've learned from this experience, and I hope this helps any of you if you ever face a similar problem. Beware....beware! :) DOWN WITH PIRACY!

UPDATE - Woohoo! Circuit City had a new copy for sale online; $23.63 shipped. Now THAT'S a good deal on an authentic, brand new game!