A Spanish Nintendo creator's family discovered the preserved game from 2008 during an Andorra stay, leading

French Tourist Recovers Pokémon Cartridge Lost in Andorra 16 Years Ago

Content creator reunites owner with game saved during 2010-2011 trip using social media appeal

A French woman named Alix has regained possession of her Pokémon Diamond cartridge, lost during a family visit to Andorra around 2010 or 2011, thanks to a viral social media post by Spanish content creator Ronci GX.

Ronci's uncles discovered the cartridge in a hotel while skiing in Andorra during that period. Unsure of its owner, they brought it back to Spain and gave it to Ronci, then aged 10. Rather than overwrite the save file, he stored it safely in his own game case for the next 16 years.

The cartridge preserved a French-language save file started on 1 July 2008, with 84 hours of playtime, four badges earned, and unusually high-level Pokémon for that stage. Key details included a trainer named Asceyúp—revealed as Alix's brother's childhood username blending the One Piece character Ace and French dairy brand Yop—and a Mime Jr. nicknamed after Alix's aunt, whom she had visited in Andorra. The pedometer showed 10,760 steps from heavy bike use, and her starter Chimchar had evolved into a level 52 Infernape left in the daycare.

On 30 July 2026, Ronci posted on social media: "If you're a French girl named Alix who traveled to Andorra around 2010-2011 and lost your Pokémon Diamond cartridge, read this. My uncles found it in a hotel and gave it to me. I've kept your cartridge and save file out of respect." The post garnered over 2.6 million views within hours, sparking a collective online search.

Just five hours later, Alix contacted Ronci privately. She confirmed vacationing in Andorra to see her aunt, devoting extensive time to the game, and trading Pokémon with her brother under the Asceyúp name. Her brother later verified further details.

Alix's brother offered to buy the cartridge, now a sentimental artifact, but Ronci refused payment, agreeing only to split shipping costs from Spain to France. "Memories are the best thing we have. Knowing she's recovered a part of her life makes me very happy," Alix's brother told gaming media.

The cartridge's journey—from Alix's hands in Andorra, through 16 years in Spain, and back to France—has restored not just 84 hours of gameplay but irreplaceable childhood memories tied to her Andorran trip.