The 1996 Style Pikachu Plush Is Officially Coming to the US Pokémon Center
The Pokémon Company has confirmed that a hugely popular 30th anniversary plush of series mascot Pikachu is set to appear at Pokémon Center stores globally, including the US, following an initial sell-out release in Japan.
The “Pikachu of Beginnings” plush collection offers fans a nostalgic look back at the origins of the beloved Electric-type mouse, and whilst it was initially thought that fans worldwide wouldn’t be able to get hold of the exclusive items, the official Pokémon X account has confirmed that it will soon be available:
The Pokémon franchise launched in 1996 with a simple premise of discovering, catching, training, and battling fictional creatures.
Over the past thirty years, it has grown into a multimedia giant spanning video games, trading cards, and animated television shows.
Pikachu quickly became the face of the entire brand, starring as the main companion in the anime and leading the adventure in the classic Pokémon Yellow video game.
In those early Kanto adventures, the character had a much rounder, more robust shape compared to its modern streamlined silhouette.
This new merchandise explicitly references that vintage art style, bringing back the classic proportions that veteran fans remember from the late nineties.
These retro character goods serve as a perfect companion to the “Pokémon Timeless Adventure” collection, sharing the 30th-anniversary theme of looking back at where the journey first started.
Two limited edition 30th-anniversary plushies, released as the “Pika Pika! Pikachu” collection, were also launched at the official Pokémon Center in Japan earlier this March.
There is no confirmation at this stage as to whether these plushies will also make their way overseas, however it seems possible that if the 1996 style Pikachu plush will be made available that others may eventually be offered internationally as well.
Let’s take a closer look at the new “Pikachu of Beginnings” collection!
- “Pikachu of Beginnings Plush”
- Price: 3,300 yen (approx. $22 USD / £17 GBP).
A cuddly, larger-scale soft toy perfectly replicating the vintage, chubby aesthetic of the iconic character from the original 1996 video games.
- “Pikachu of Beginnings Mascot”
- Price: 880 yen (approx. $6 USD / £5 GBP).
A smaller, highly portable version of the character equipped with a chain, designed to be easily attached to bags or keys for adventures on the go.
Full details regarding when fans will be able to order the two Pokémon Center exclusive plushies is expected to be announced imminently.
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