You can’t actually sell your Flappy Bird phone on eBay
In the world of mobile gaming, Flappy Bird was an unprecedented phenomenon. The simple yet addictive game soared to the top of app store charts and became an overnight sensation. However, as quickly as it had risen, it disappeared when the creator decided to remove it from app stores. This sudden scarcity led to a frenzy, with people attempting to sell their devices with Flappy Bird pre-installed for outrageous sums on online marketplaces like eBay. But the truth is, you can’t actually sell your Flappy Bird phone on eBay.
Firstly, let’s delve into why people thought they could make a killing by selling their Flappy Bird-equipped phones. When the game’s developer, Dong Nguyen, decided to take down the app in February 2014, millions of gamers were left with no means of acquiring it through official channels. Sensing an opportunity, some sellers listed their phones with pre-installed Flappy Bird games on eBay at inflated prices, hoping to attract desperate gamers.
However, these attempts were short-lived. As per eBay’s policy on pre-installed software, selling a device with copyright-protected content that you do not have the rights to distribute is prohibited. As such, eBay swiftly removed these listings from its platform. Therefore, placing your phone for sale on eBay with Flappy Bird as a selling point will likely get your listing taken down.
Additionally, even if you were somehow able to circumvent eBay’s policies and successfully list your device with Flappy Bird installed, it is necessary to consider whether there would actually be enough demand for such an item today. It has been several years since the game gained prominence and faded away, and its novelty factor has considerably declined over time. The market for Flappy Bird-equipped devices is certainly not what it once was.
Moreover, although Flappy Bird is no longer available in official app stores, there are numerous alternatives that have since emerged to fill the void. These games emulate the gameplay mechanics of Flappy Bird and can be downloaded for free or purchased legally. As such, most gamers who might have been desperate enough to shell out significant amounts of money for a phone with Flappy Bird installed can now find satisfaction in these alternative games.
In conclusion, attempting to sell your Flappy Bird-equipped phone on eBay is a futile endeavor. Not only does it violate the platform’s policy on pre-installed software, but there is also likely a lack of demand for this once-buzzworthy game in today’s market. It may be tempting to try capitalizing on what was once a sensation, but those looking to profit from the nostalgic value of Flappy Bird should look elsewhere or simply enjoy the game as a fond memory of a bygone era in mobile gaming.