As Pokémon marks its 30th anniversary, The Pokémon Company has continued a steady stream of promotions and product reissues tied to the franchise’s legacy.
Among the items getting renewed attention is the original, plump Pikachu plush—an early collectible from the franchise era that many fans now affectionately call "Chonkachu." Japanese reporting indicates the plush is receiving a second production run this summer.
Japanese retailer Shimamura Park has opened pre-orders for the second run of the life-sized, "fat" Pikachu plush, according to coverage from Inside Games and Siliconera.
The retailer lists the plush at 40 centimeters in height (about 16 inches) with a retail price of ¥6,300 (roughly $43).
Shimamura Park’s listings indicate orders placed now should ship in late June or early July.
Fans and collectors say the rotund, rodent-like design of the plush closely matches Pikachu’s original in-game aesthetic from the Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green/Blue era.
The plush’s fuller proportions have prompted community nicknames and nostalgia-driven demand; many collectors note that modern official artwork for Pikachu has trended slimmer over time, while this reissue emphasizes the character’s earlier silhouette.
The original 1997 Pikachu plush was reissued earlier this year as part of broader 30th anniversary merchandising, and this second production run appears aimed at meeting ongoing demand.
Inside Games and Siliconera provide the retail listings as the source of the pre-order and fulfillment window information.
Although the plush release is a physical merchandise story rather than a game launch, it ties into the wider Pokémon anniversary calendar that has included new titles, collaborations, and promotional items across Nintendo platforms.
Pokémon remains a flagship property for Nintendo hardware and services; recent mainline and spin-off entries have released on Nintendo Switch and been promoted through Nintendo Direct presentations and eShop listings.
For collectors planning to buy, the key facts are: the second run is available for pre-order through Shimamura Park, the plush measures 40 cm, is listed at ¥6,300, and ships in late June or early July.
Fans tracking official Pokémon merchandise should monitor both Japanese retailers and The Pokémon Company’s global announcements for additional release windows or international retail partners.
Among the items getting renewed attention is the original, plump Pikachu plush—an early collectible from the franchise era that many fans now affectionately call "Chonkachu." Japanese reporting indicates the plush is receiving a second production run this summer.
Japanese retailer Shimamura Park has opened pre-orders for the second run of the life-sized, "fat" Pikachu plush, according to coverage from Inside Games and Siliconera.
The retailer lists the plush at 40 centimeters in height (about 16 inches) with a retail price of ¥6,300 (roughly $43).
Shimamura Park’s listings indicate orders placed now should ship in late June or early July.
Fans and collectors say the rotund, rodent-like design of the plush closely matches Pikachu’s original in-game aesthetic from the Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green/Blue era.
The plush’s fuller proportions have prompted community nicknames and nostalgia-driven demand; many collectors note that modern official artwork for Pikachu has trended slimmer over time, while this reissue emphasizes the character’s earlier silhouette.
The original 1997 Pikachu plush was reissued earlier this year as part of broader 30th anniversary merchandising, and this second production run appears aimed at meeting ongoing demand.
Inside Games and Siliconera provide the retail listings as the source of the pre-order and fulfillment window information.
Although the plush release is a physical merchandise story rather than a game launch, it ties into the wider Pokémon anniversary calendar that has included new titles, collaborations, and promotional items across Nintendo platforms.
Pokémon remains a flagship property for Nintendo hardware and services; recent mainline and spin-off entries have released on Nintendo Switch and been promoted through Nintendo Direct presentations and eShop listings.
For collectors planning to buy, the key facts are: the second run is available for pre-order through Shimamura Park, the plush measures 40 cm, is listed at ¥6,300, and ships in late June or early July.
Fans tracking official Pokémon merchandise should monitor both Japanese retailers and The Pokémon Company’s global announcements for additional release windows or international retail partners.