The collaboration between McDonald’s and the iconic “Neon Genesis Evangelion” has caused a sensation among fans, with the launch of the first edition of the exclusive set of transformable figures “McDonald’s × Evangelion Value Set Figures”. However, the project has been marred by a growing resale problem on platforms such as Mercari, where prices have reached up to four times their original value.
The set, which has an official price of 3,900 yen (approximately $26)includes three transformable figures: “Big Mac Unit-01“, “McFries Unit-02” and “McShake Unit-00“. These figures represent iconic McDonald’s products that transform into mechas inspired by the famous EVAs from the series.
Pre-sale, limited through a lottery system, began in December 2024. Participants could register exclusively from the official McDonald’s application, with the possibility of purchasing a single unit if they were selected. This week the results of the lottery were finally revealed, which generated a wave of reactions on social networks.
However, not everything is celebration. Since before the delivery date (January 20), the figures have already appeared on resale platforms such as Mercari, reaching prices between 12,000 and 20,000 yen ($82 to $137), much more than the original cost. The worrying thing is that some resellers are publishing the product without physically having it in their hands, using promotional images or screenshots of lottery confirmations.
According to Mercari policies, it is prohibited to list products that are not already physically owned. The company has recalled that practices such as resale before official availability or the sale of reserved items are penalized. Even so, this has not stopped multiple users from trying to profit from the anticipation of the launch.
On social media, fans expressed outrage:
- «They should produce more upon additional order. This would put an end to resellers and those who really want the product would be able to get it.».
- «I didn’t win… The resellers do win, but the people who really want it don’t».
- «Anyway, this will end up accumulating in piles of second-hand products sooner or later».
- «Just a few years ago, this would have been a simple Happy Meal toy».
- «If it is by lottery, it is inevitable that this will happen. Although there are resellers, there are also people who ask family or friends for help to increase their chances. Perhaps the raffle sales system is no longer suitable… In the end, this collaborative Evangelion 30th anniversary event ended up being somewhat problematic. Well I guess it was one of the possible futures».
- «I lost… and I love Evangelion».
- «After much thought, I only signed up to buy it if I won, but I lost. Since I was hesitant to buy it, at least I saved myself some unnecessary expense, so I’m a little relieved. Of course, I’m not going to buy it at an inflated price.».
- «I lost again… Didn’t they learn anything from Kirby’s case? (´Д｀)ﾊｧ… It was obvious that resellers would appear in droves».
- «Enough with the resellers. Lately, even if something I want comes out, I no longer feel the excitement of trying to get it. I’m sure many people don’t even try it from the beginning.».
- «I lost. I’m not going to buy it from resellers, so… goodbye, all Evangelion».
The debate continues to grow as the lucky winners await the arrival of their figures and others lament the lost opportunity. This incident raises a broader discussion about the need for stricter measures against unauthorized resale and more inclusive pre-sale systems to prevent legitimate fans from being affected by scalpers.
Fountain: Hachima Kikou
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