Here's a breakdown:
* The incident: During the episode's original Japanese broadcast in 1997, a flashing light sequence caused seizures in over 600 children. While not everyone watching was affected, it was enough to spark widespread concern and panic.
* The removal: The episode was promptly pulled from rotation in Japan and never officially re-released.
* Unofficial availability: The episode has been leaked and circulated online, but Nintendo has never officially re-released it.
The episode's status:
* Not "lost" in the traditional sense: It still exists and is available on the internet.
* Officially withdrawn: Nintendo considers it removed from its canon and doesn't officially distribute it.
* A reminder of the impact of media: This incident highlighted the potential dangers of flashing lights and the importance of considering the safety of viewers.
If you're curious about the episode itself, you can find information and analysis of its content online. However, it's important to respect Nintendo's decision to remove it and to be mindful of potential safety concerns associated with flashing lights.