Pokemon is bringing back its fan-favorite ‘fat Pikachu’ design with a special plushie of the electric mouse ‘mon to commemorate the franchise’s 30th anniversary.
Pokemon’s 30th anniversary is fast approaching. The series first launched on February 27, 1996 with Pokemon Red and Green for the original Game Boy.
There’s just over a month left before the monster-catching brand turns 30 years old. To commemorate the occasion, Pokemon is partnering with Japanese toy company, Takara Tomy, to release a series of special plushies and figures for trainers to enjoy.
Fat Pikachu returns for Pokemon’s 30th Anniversary
One of these plushies, in particular, is drawing attention from fans online. The life-sized ‘fat Pikachu’ plush is already going viral, with many remarking on its rotund, spherical design that mirrors the creature’s original look from the early Pokemon games.
Its official name, the ’30th Anniversary Okaeri Pikachu plushie,’ uses the Japanese phrase ‘Okaeri,’ meaning, ‘Welcome home,’ or, ‘Welcome back.’
Fans are eagerly welcoming the return of Pikachu’s chubbier look across social media, with one writing on X: “Omg, please let this plush come to the US!”
“I want it omg,” another remarked, with another user calling the plush, “Absolutely PEAK.”
The already-popular fat Pikachu plush is one of several items being released by Takara Tomy for Pokemon’s 30th anniversary, alongside a fluffy, palm-sized Pikachu with its modern, thinner design that makes sounds and has light-up cheeks.
A line of figure sets for each starter trio in every Pokemon game released thus far will also be available.
As per PokeJungle, these items will all be released in Japan on February 28, 2026. No other information is available as to whether or not they will officially ship to the US, but secondary retailers are bound to crop up to help Pokemon fans snatch these limited-time goodies from overseas.
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