Justin Roilands Nintendo 3Ds Sale A Real-World Scalping Incident Behind A Rick And Morty Joke

The provided source material details a specific incident involving Justin Roiland, the co-creator of the animated series Rick and Morty, and his sale of a limited-edition Nintendo 3DS console. This incident is directly linked to a plot point in the show and has implications for understanding the real-world market for collectible gaming hardware. The information is drawn from a report by ComicBook.com, which cites an interview with Roiland conducted by Witchsy co-founder Kate Dwyer. The sources also provide context on Roiland’s professional standing, including his founding of Squanch Games and the subsequent separation from Rick and Morty following allegations of misconduct. This article will explore the factual details of the Nintendo 3DS sale, its connection to the show, and the broader context of Roiland’s career as presented in the provided documents.

The Origin of a Joke: Roiland’s Planned Scalping Scheme

According to the ComicBook.com report, the joke in question originates from the Rick and Morty episode "Total Rickall." In a flashback sequence, Rick Sanchez purchases a large quantity of limited-edition Legend of Zelda Nintendo 3DS consoles with the intention of reselling them to collectors at a profit. This action is portrayed as a form of "scalping," a term used to describe the practice of buying up limited-availability items to resell them at inflated prices.

The report states that this joke was born from Justin Roiland’s own experiences. Roiland revealed that he had planned to do the same with his own collection of exclusive Nintendo 3DS consoles. He explained, “All the stuff Rick says in that scene in the episode was actually true. My plan was to sell them off here and there over the years but I just had so many that I still have them.”

The explanation came to light after Roiland listed one of his limited-edition Legend of Zelda Nintendo 3DS consoles for sale on the platform Witchsy. The console was offered complete with a hand-drawn Rick and Morty doodle. The sale was described as "pricey," mirroring the financial motivation depicted in the show. Roiland further admitted to becoming "part of the problem" by engaging in this activity, stating, “I became a scalper. CHA-CHING.”

Context and Aftermath of the Sale

The ComicBook.com article provides additional context about Roiland’s actions following his initial purchase of the consoles. Roiland expressed guilt over his role in the market, noting, “It’s also important to know that I felt bad after I bought them all so I went and purchased 15 2DS systems and a bunch of games and donated them to the children’s hospital of Los Angeles.” This donation is presented as a mitigating action for his earlier scalping intention.

The report also mentions that the publicity surrounding the sale and the story behind the joke may have affected the market for these collectible Nintendo 3DS consoles. However, it does not provide specific data on price changes or market impact, stating, “there’s still no word on how this publicity has gouged prices on these collectable Nintendo 3DS consoles.” The article concludes by asking readers if they would purchase the "super special Nintendo 3DS," indicating the console’s status as a collector’s item.

Professional Context: Roiland’s Work and Subsequent Career Changes

The provided sources outline Justin Roiland’s professional background beyond the Rick and Morty joke incident. He is identified as the co-creator of Rick and Morty alongside Dan Harmon and served as a writer for several episodes across the first three seasons. He also voiced the titular characters, Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith.

Following allegations of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and inappropriate behavior, Roiland was separated from Adult Swim and the Rick and Morty series. A report from Decider details a timeline of events, noting that on January 25, 2023, Adult Swim released a statement ending its association with Roiland. The official Rick and Morty Twitter account confirmed the series would continue without his involvement, with Dan Harmon named as the sole showrunner. The network recast the roles of Rick and Morty for Season 7, which premiered on October 15, 2023.

The sources also highlight Roiland’s involvement in the video game industry. He founded the studio Squanch Games in 2016. The studio announced the release of Trover Saves the Universe on the Nintendo Switch, with a launch date of November 28, 2019. Furthermore, Squanch Games’ comedic first-person shooter High on Life was released for the Nintendo Switch on May 6, 2023. A physical edition for the Switch, which includes the High on Knife DLC, is being published by Limited Run Games, with preorders opening on April 22.

The Market for Collectible Gaming Hardware

The incident involving the Nintendo 3DS sale touches upon the broader market for limited-edition gaming hardware. Collectors’ items like the Legend of Zelda-themed Nintendo 3DS are often produced in limited quantities, leading to a secondary market where prices can exceed the original retail value. The practice of "scalping," as mentioned in the source material, refers to the purchase of these items with the intent to resell them for a profit, which can limit availability for regular consumers.

The sale of a console accompanied by a unique, hand-drawn doodle by a well-known creator adds another layer of value for collectors. This combination of a rare hardware variant and creator-specific artwork can significantly increase an item’s desirability and market price.

Conclusion

The provided source material documents a specific event where Justin Roiland sold a limited-edition Nintendo 3DS console, a real-world action that directly inspired a plot point in Rick and Morty. The incident illustrates the dynamics of the collectible gaming market, where limited availability can create opportunities for resellers. The sources also provide a timeline of Roiland’s professional career, including his work on Rick and Morty, his founding of Squanch Games, and his subsequent separation from the animated series. While the Nintendo 3DS sale is a notable anecdote, the broader context of Roiland’s career and the video game projects from Squanch Games are also covered in the provided documents.

Sources

1. ComicBook.com: Rick And Morty joke explained
2. Nintendo Life: Squanch Games
3. GameSpot: High On Life Coming To Switch
4. Decider: Justin Roiland Fired Rick And Morty Timeline