With the total inundation of negative news that seems to plague the gaming world these days – scandals, allegations, general bashing and complaining – it’s always nice to be able to report on something wholly positive. Just for variety, y’know. Every so often, a kind soul steps up to the plate in the name of a good cause, proving to the world that our hobby ain’t (always) as toxic as people crack it up. Plus, someone is going to be able to walk away with some seriously cool, one-of-a-kind retro swag; and if there’s one thing we’re partial to, it’s cool, one-of-a-kind retro swag. Seriously. It’s on all our profiles. On everything.
Artist Luis Martins, known chiefly for his work on the lighting and environments in several entries of the Tomb Raider franchise, has organized a unique eBay auction in the name of a youth sports organization. It’s called ESM Canada, and is dedicated to affording disadvantaged young people with the opportunity to play with professional and international soccer teams – a rarity in the biz. Martins’ 11 year-old son (a football fanatic) wants to attend the group, and dreams of playing for the Canadian team one day, but his pop can’t afford the entry fee. Hence, the devoted dad has turned to the ever-lucrative demographic of online collectors to try and raise the cash, and is flogging a custom-designed GameBoy to that end.
Paprium auction perks
Fans of the 2020 almost-vaporware brawler Paprium may find it especially appealing, as it’s… well, centred entirely around it. Makes sense, since Martins was a key art director on the game. Forgot that little chestnut, didn’t I? The listing reads: “this lot is a beautiful Paprium custom made GameBoy with a DMG IPS LCD screen, a clear audio mod and a custom made acrylic display stand. It’s one of a kind from my very own personal collection.” As if this wasn’t enough of an enticement, Martins has also said he’ll sign the console before shipping it, making whoever wins it the owner of something truly exceptional. And (for the more disingenuous) valuable too.
Martins made the announcement on Twitter, which you can check out below:
At present, the auction value is upward of $300, so if you’re going to have a punt, I’d make sure you’ve got a serious chunk of change just lying around. Everyone else… maybe just wait on GameBoy for Nintendo Online? We all know it’s coming. Eventually.
Will you be bidding on this item? Let us know!
Via, Twitter.
