After decades illusionist / magician Uri Geller has given Nintendo permission to use Kadabra on Pokemon Trading cards again.
Uri Geller is perhaps most well-known for the classic magic trick of bending spoons with his mind, sued Nintendo back in the year 2000. But why would an illusionist do this to a relatively new video game franchise? Well it all has to do with the similarity of Kadabra’s Japanese name and his own.
Spelling of Kadabra
In Japan, Kadabra is spelled in certain variations that include Yungerer and Yungeller, which are both similar sounding to Geller. Uri was not a fan of this and Pokemon have kept Kadabra away from the Trading Card Game but that may change thanks to his recent apology for doing so.
I am truly sorry for what I did 20 years ago. Kids and grownups I am releasing the ban. It’s now all up to Nintendo to bring my kadabra pokemon card back. It will probably be one of the rarest cards now! Much energy and love to all!
Geller elaborated on in a statement to TheGamer
Due to the tremendous volume of emails I am still getting begging me to allow Nintendo to bring back Kadabra/Yungeller, I sent […] a letter to the chairman of Nintendo giving them permission to relaunch the Uri Geller Kadabra/Yungeller worldwide.
Since Kadabra is a middle evolution between Abra and Alakazam, the Trading Card Game struggled to find ways of incorporating the rest of the evolutionary line into the game so hopefully this change will make it easier for them.
As of being rare, it’s not an ultra rare card. Estimated values vary between 2 – 20 USD.
But hey Uri at least is relevant again a bit now.
