Full Breakdown
Rare Tsukihime Trial Edition Destroyed in Transit: A Collector's Nightmare
2/28/2026, 11:49:29 PM
Incident Overview: Destruction of a Gaming Artifact
On February 26, 2026, Philip Peng, known on Twitter/X as @TehKeripo, shared a distressing experience involving the destruction of his recently acquired copy of the Tsukihime Trial Edition (?? ???), one of only 50 copies in existence. The adult-only visual novel, developed by Type-Moon, was severely damaged during transit, allegedly by U.S. Customs or DHL. Peng reported that the protective bubble wrap was removed, and the floppy disk was intentionally destroyed, leaving him "literally crying."
Background on Tsukihime
Tsukihime, released in 1999, is a significant title in the visual novel genre, following the story of Shiki Tohno, a high school boy with the ability to see "Death Lines." The trial edition was initially sold at Comiket 57 for 100 yen, making it a sought-after collector's item. The rarity of the game adds to the distress of its destruction, as collectors often invest significant time and resources to obtain such unique pieces.
Details of the Incident
Peng's ordeal began when he received the package, which he had ordered from a collector in Portugal. Upon opening it, he discovered that the floppy disk had been "sliced into pieces," and the original packaging was heavily damaged. He noted that the sender had taken great care to protect the item, using cardboard and bubble wrap. Despite this, the package bore a sticker indicating it had been opened and resealed by customs, suggesting that the damage occurred during inspection.
Criticism of Customs Procedures
The incident has raised questions about the handling of rare and potentially sensitive items by customs officials. Some speculate that the destruction may have been an act of censorship due to the game's adult content. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this theory. Peng expressed his frustration, stating, "I would never have expected US Customs to both remove all that AND intentionally damage the floppy directly." He plans to file a report regarding the incident, although he acknowledges the difficulty in pursuing the matter with either U.S. Customs or DHL.
Official Statements & Responses
While no official statements have been released by U.S. Customs or DHL regarding this specific incident, the case highlights broader concerns about the treatment of rare items during customs inspections. Peng's experience may deter other collectors from ordering unique items from abroad, fearing similar mishandling.
What's Next for Collectors?
As Peng reflects on his loss, he hopes to find another copy of the Tsukihime Trial Edition in the future, stating, "If one does, I will definitely be buying plane tickets instead of relying on any shipping company." This incident serves as a cautionary tale for collectors, emphasizing the importance of considering shipping methods and customs procedures when acquiring rare items.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Only to discover that US Customs had removed all the bubble wrap and physically destroyed the floppy disk.” — Philip Peng, @TehKeripo
- “Would never have expected US Customs to both remove all that AND intentionally damage the floppy directly,” — Philip Peng, @TehKeripo
- “I can only pray that I ever get the chance to see one listed for sale again in the next 15 years. If one does, I will definitely be buying plane tickets instead of relying on any shipping company.” — Philip Peng, @TehKeripo
