Pokémon fans and collectors have reason to celebrate, as Takara Tomy has officially announced the revival of one of the franchise’s most iconic pieces of merchandise—the original ‘Chonky Pikachu’ plush.
Faithfully recreated from the well-loved 1997 design that accompanied the peak of Pokémania, the "Welcome Back! Pikachu 1/1 Plush" arrives as part of the festivities for Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary. This special edition plush pays homage to Pikachu’s earliest appearance, characterized by its delightfully round silhouette and softer features—a sharp contrast to the slimmer, more streamlined Pikachu design seen in recent years.
Often referred to in the fan community as “Chonky Pikachu,” this throwback figure captures a sense of nostalgia for longtime followers of the franchise, who fondly remember when Pikachu led the Pokémon craze of the late 1990s. Measuring approximately 40 centimeters in height, the plush exactly matches Pikachu’s official measurements listed in the Pokédex, making it a true-to-life collectible.
As confirmed by Takara Tomy, the "Welcome Back! Pikachu 1/1 Plush" will be available for sale exclusively through the Takara Tomy online store and Amazon Japan.
This highly anticipated release is priced at ¥7,480 (approximately $52 / £41), reflecting both the quality craftsmanship and its collectible value.
In a nod to the ongoing anniversary celebrations, each plush will be packaged in a specially designed box that features the Pokémon 30th Anniversary emblem. To ensure broadened access for as many fans as possible, sales of the plush will be limited to one per customer.
The official release date is set for February 28, 2026—a significant milestone for Pokémon enthusiasts marking three decades of Pikachu’s enduring popularity. This announcement comes on the heels of several other major Pokémon collaborations and merchandise reveals in 2024, including the introduction of new LEGO Pokémon sets with characters such as Pikachu, Charizard, Venusaur, Blastoise, and Eevee.
The Pokémon Company also recently unveiled the commemorative logo for the 30th anniversary, underscoring the franchise’s widespread influence on pop culture and gaming. With a sales history that includes hundreds of millions of game copies and related merchandise sold globally, Pikachu remains one of the most recognizable and beloved mascots in the video game industry.
Takara Tomy’s recreation of the classic 1997 plush stands as a testament to both the enduring appeal of Pokémon and the cherished memories of fans who have followed its journey from Game Boy titles to today's Nintendo Switch era. As the Pokémon franchise continues expanding its legacy with events, collaborations, and new releases, the return of the 'Chonky Pikachu' plush offers both dedicated collectors and new fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of gaming history.
Faithfully recreated from the well-loved 1997 design that accompanied the peak of Pokémania, the "Welcome Back! Pikachu 1/1 Plush" arrives as part of the festivities for Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary. This special edition plush pays homage to Pikachu’s earliest appearance, characterized by its delightfully round silhouette and softer features—a sharp contrast to the slimmer, more streamlined Pikachu design seen in recent years.
Often referred to in the fan community as “Chonky Pikachu,” this throwback figure captures a sense of nostalgia for longtime followers of the franchise, who fondly remember when Pikachu led the Pokémon craze of the late 1990s. Measuring approximately 40 centimeters in height, the plush exactly matches Pikachu’s official measurements listed in the Pokédex, making it a true-to-life collectible.
As confirmed by Takara Tomy, the "Welcome Back! Pikachu 1/1 Plush" will be available for sale exclusively through the Takara Tomy online store and Amazon Japan.
This highly anticipated release is priced at ¥7,480 (approximately $52 / £41), reflecting both the quality craftsmanship and its collectible value.
In a nod to the ongoing anniversary celebrations, each plush will be packaged in a specially designed box that features the Pokémon 30th Anniversary emblem. To ensure broadened access for as many fans as possible, sales of the plush will be limited to one per customer.
The official release date is set for February 28, 2026—a significant milestone for Pokémon enthusiasts marking three decades of Pikachu’s enduring popularity. This announcement comes on the heels of several other major Pokémon collaborations and merchandise reveals in 2024, including the introduction of new LEGO Pokémon sets with characters such as Pikachu, Charizard, Venusaur, Blastoise, and Eevee.
The Pokémon Company also recently unveiled the commemorative logo for the 30th anniversary, underscoring the franchise’s widespread influence on pop culture and gaming. With a sales history that includes hundreds of millions of game copies and related merchandise sold globally, Pikachu remains one of the most recognizable and beloved mascots in the video game industry.
Takara Tomy’s recreation of the classic 1997 plush stands as a testament to both the enduring appeal of Pokémon and the cherished memories of fans who have followed its journey from Game Boy titles to today's Nintendo Switch era. As the Pokémon franchise continues expanding its legacy with events, collaborations, and new releases, the return of the 'Chonky Pikachu' plush offers both dedicated collectors and new fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of gaming history.
