Cover image via @TehKeripo (X)
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A devastating loss has struck the retro gaming community after a legendary piece of software history was reportedly destroyed by US border authorities
The item in question — an ultra-rare trial version of the visual novel Tsukihime — is one of only 50 copies ever produced.
While the disc originally sold for a nominal fee of 100 yen (RM3.15) at the Comiket 57 convention in 1999, its historical value had since skyrocketed following the global success of the Fate franchise.
A modern rendition of 'Tsukihime'.
Image via PlayStationThe tragedy came to light on 26 February when a collector, known online as Keripo, shared images of the decimated parcel
The floppy disk, which serves as a foundational relic for the studio Type-Moon, arrived with its plastic casing shattered and severely warped.
Accompanying materials, including a promotional poster that collectors view as a vital part of the set, were found crumpled and ruined. The owner expressed profound distress, noting that the damage appeared to have occurred after US Customs intervention.
According to the recipient, the sender took exhaustive precautions to ensure the item arrived safely from Japan
The floppy disk had been meticulously wrapped in layers of bubble wrap and secured between thick cardboard sheets to prevent any physical shifting or bending.
Despite these professional packing standards, the collector claimed customs agents removed the protective cushioning and failed to repack the item properly, leading to its destruction.
The Tsukihime trial edition represents a pre-fame era for Type-Moon, produced long before the studio became a multi-billion dollar entity
Because so few copies exist, the physical loss of even one unit is considered a significant blow to digital preservation efforts. The owner has indicated intentions to file a formal report and seek damages, though no amount of financial compensation can replace a destroyed piece of gaming heritage.
