Pokémon and ESA Reveal First Look at New Official Astronaut Pikachu Merch Collection
Pokémon and the European Space Agency have revealed the first look at merchandise from their new space-themed collaboration, with male and female Astronaut Pikachu plushes leading the collection.
The first promotional images show the male Pikachu wearing a white astronaut suit, while the female Pikachu instead wears a blue version, giving the two plushes clearly different appearances alongside their differently shaped tails.
Both designs are based on the Astronaut Pikachu created for the collaboration, combining Pikachu’s familiar appearance with ESA-inspired space suits and special mission-style details.
Earlier artwork announcing the Pokémon x ESA partnership focused on the female Astronaut Pikachu, making the appearance of a matching male version in a contrasting white suit one of the main additions revealed through the new merchandise images.
Pokémon first announced its partnership with ESA in August, confirming that the two organizations would work together for World Space Week 2026 before the full scale of the project was revealed in September.
The collaboration has since gained a very real connection with space travel, as an Astronaut Pikachu plush spent 67 days aboard the International Space Station during ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s mission.
Pikachu remained in orbit from April 11 through June 17, completing approximately 1,040 trips around Earth before returning home.
The new promotional images suggest the merchandise collection will extend well beyond the two plushes, with small Astronaut Pikachu figures and several pieces of stationery also shown among the first products.
Pokémon has also confirmed that the wider range will include Pokémon TCG accessories featuring artwork created for the ESA collaboration, while a blue bomber jacket provides one of the first apparel options revealed for the collection.
The reveal arrives during Pokémon’s 30th anniversary year, which has already seen Pikachu receive several major merchandise releases including a collection of 30 different plush charms and a separate 13-figure range based on artwork from the anniversary Pokémon TCG set.
Image by Charlotte DavisMerchandise is only one part of the Pokémon x ESA project, with a new exhibition also traveling across ESA facilities and major science and space museums throughout Europe.
The exhibition uses Pokémon characters alongside real scientific information to explain subjects including European space missions, life aboard the International Space Station, the Sun, the Solar System and exploration of the wider Universe.
ESA locations in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and the UK are hosting the exhibition during the opening phase, before it expands to venues including London’s Science Museum, Cité de l’espace in Toulouse and Space Expo in Noordwijk through April 2027.
Pokémon GO will also take part in the collaboration from October 4, with participating museums offering special gameplay including One-Star Raids featuring Astronaut Pikachu, Timed Research and Pokémon encounters that can include location-specific backgrounds.
The museum-based Pokémon GO event is scheduled to continue through April 30, 2027, while additional World Space Week activities will run from October 4 through October 10, 2026.
The first Pokémon x ESA merchandise is expected to be available through Pokémon and ESA retail channels and participating museum shops when it goes on sale, with further product details still to be revealed.
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