When Petty Revenge Goes Pokémon: How a Drunken Punch Led to a Bricked Nintendo Switch
Picture this: It’s the holidays. The air is thick with cheer, the kitchen’s bustling, and the buzz of family banter fills the house. You’re the designated driver—a noble teetotaler among tipsy relatives. All’s well until your jovial father-in-law, deep in the festive spirits, decides to demonstrate “how to deal with your husband” by delivering a less-than-merry punch below the belt. Ouch. You take it in stride, but let’s be honest—no guy forgets a nut shot, no matter how playful.
But what’s a little family pain without a little family payback? Enter the world of petty revenge, rare Pokémon, and a Nintendo Switch glitch so unexpected, it’s almost art.
The Setup: A Festive Faux Pas
Redditor u/ohurvey’s tale from r/PettyRevenge is the stuff of modern holiday legend. The story kicks off in December 2021, with our hero (let’s call him “Protagonist”) celebrating with the in-laws. While the rest of the family is busy sampling holiday spirits, Protagonist is staying sober and stirring up some classic gaming debates with his wife and sister-in-law. In what can only be described as an act of drunken wisdom, his father-in-law (let’s call him “FIL”) intervenes—not with sage advice, but with a surprise punch to the family jewels.
FIL apologizes, offers a chance for retaliation, but Protagonist declines. After all, revenge is a dish best served cold—or, in this case, via the Nintendo Switch.
The Long Game: Pokémon and Plotting
Fast forward a month, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus drops. The entire family is hooked, including FIL, who’s loving every minute of it. Protagonist, however, is a seasoned veteran with a treasure trove of shiny Pokémon. Among his prized possessions? A shiny Giratina.
But here’s where things get interesting. Before the gaming community at large discovered it, Protagonist realizes a bizarre glitch: if a shiny Giratina uses the move Shadow Sneak, it crashes the game—so bad, it forces a full system restart. This isn’t just a bug; it’s a loaded weapon in the arsenal of petty revenge.
So, our hero hatches a plan. During a casual gaming session at his sister-in-law’s house, he generously offers to share some of his shiny Pokémon. Knowing FIL’s tastes, he makes sure to gift him that very shiny Giratina, like a Trojan Horse wrapped in sparkly scales.
The Payoff: Revenge Served Pixelated
As all good revenge stories go, the payoff isn’t immediate. Months pass. The switcheroo (pun intended) is almost forgotten until FIL starts complaining. “My Switch keeps crashing!” he groans. He’s tried everything—reinstalling games, restarting, troubleshooting. Nothing helps, and the family’s resident IT support (Protagonist) is summoned.
Casually, Protagonist asks, “Oh, is it whenever you use Shadow Sneak with that Giratina I gave you?” The room falls silent as the dots connect, and then—uproarious laughter. Protagonist delivers the punchline: “That’s for punching me in the d*ck in December.”
FIL, to his credit, is a good sport. Not only does he laugh, but he also tips his hat to the long con: “I respect the long con.” The family agrees—it’s petty, it’s hilarious, and it’s perfectly executed.
Why This Petty Revenge Works So Well
What makes this story so satisfying isn’t just the creativity, but the relationship at its core. There’s genuine affection between Protagonist and his FIL, making the revenge playful rather than malicious. It’s a reminder that family feuds—when handled with humor—can become legendary stories retold at every holiday gathering.
Plus, in the age of digital pranks and gaming glitches, this tale taps into a universal truth: sometimes, the best payback is the one that takes a little patience, a lot of planning, and just the right amount of nerdy know-how.
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Petty Revenge?
From shiny Pokémon to system crashes, u/ohurvey’s story is a masterclass in long-game mischief. It’s the kind of tale that makes you wonder: What’s your best (or worst) petty revenge? Have you ever pulled off a slow-burn prank that left everyone laughing in the end?
Share your stories in the comments—because as this saga proves, sometimes the best way to get even is with a little digital magic and a lot of family love.
Have a revenge tale of your own? Drop it below! And if you’re planning your next long con, maybe double-check your Pokémon for any suspicious glitches first…
Original Reddit Post: Father in Law punched me below the belt, so I bricked his switch.