Today we have very disturbing news coming from Pokemon Center Singapore, the only Pokemon Center location outside Japan.

Apparently the Pokemon Center has started restricting photo taking sessions with the official Pikachu mascot. Customers who wish to win a chance (meaning it’s not guaranteed you are going to get it) in taking photos with Pikachu must pay SGD25 (USD18) for a stationery bundle first.

This, of course, is a very shady business practice as The Pokemon Company has never straight up demanded anyone to pay to take photos or meet with official Pokemon mascots at events or Pokemon Center locations in Japan and the United States. Taking photos with Pikachu and Eevee has always been free of charge and should stay the same way.

Many people have been angered by Pokemon Center Singapore’s sleazy way of doing business and left angry comments such as these:

“First we have to buy the bundle. Second it’s only by chance?? Why do we have to pay to get a chance to take photo with the mascot?”

“Taking of photo with mascots should be for free so why make it as a chance that some of us will never get? Are you guys that short on money?”

“This is the Singapore Pokémon center, transfer $25 to this account if you ever want to take a photo with our mascot ever again. We will call back with more unreasonable demands. If you call the police, we will faint him. *hangs up*”

“Wa lau $25 to take picture with Pikachu !!”

“We have to pay $25 and he is not even real!”

This is the second time Pokemon Center Singapore has angered their fanbase after the Sword and Shield pre-order bonus fiasco.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks, Yoyu.