The Pokémon franchise has officially unveiled two new Pikachu redesigns meant to celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary, and they’re intriguing options that you’ll soon be able to add to your collection. While the IP celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this year, in February, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have been holding year-long celebrations across several of its brands. There is a full lineup of 30th anniversary celebration cards set to arrive in the TCG soon, and recently, a new Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver release has been announced.
Nevertheless, it’s not stopping there. A massive new announcement has just been made, as was reported by Nintendo Life. According to the outlet, several new exclusive products have been revealed by The Pokémon Company, and they will only be able to be acquired through a specific type of purchase during a specific type of event. Given the difficulty of accessing these, they have the potential to become valued collector’s items for anyone who acquires them while they are available.
As seen in the report, two new Pikachu variant plushes will be released this year, in August, as part of the Pokémon World Championships 2026, which happen to occur during the 30th anniversary celebrations. The first is a male Pikachu wearing a champion’s cloak and a crown, highlighting the 2026 Worlds. This new Pikachu variant in Pokémon will have a fierce look. However, there’s yet another option.
The second is a female Pikachu plush, wearing a space jacket and a colorful helmet. This plush will be a means of celebrating the PokémonXP event, which will happen during the same period as Worlds 2026. For reference, this new event was one of the many announcements during the Pokémon Presents in February. PokémonXP is a special fan-centered event that will take place at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California. Both of these Pikachu plushes will be sold at this year’s Pokémon Center pop-up store at the event.
The two Pikachu variants aren’t the only new products that compose the event’s lineup. Celebrating the PokémonXP event are also a Charizard plush and a Kirlia plush. The Charizard plush will have protective goggles and a big rocket backpack. Meanwhile, the Kirlia plush will be wearing a wide-brim hat and a trunk-style bag, as if it were ready to embark on a new adventure. Like the two Pikachu plushies, you’ll be able to snag these at the Pokémon Center pop-up store.
For now, this will be the only place you’ll be able to purchase any of these items, and it’ll only be open to those who attend the events. Pokémon World Championships 2026 and PokémonXP are taking place between August 28 and August 30 in San Francisco. These new plushies are but one of many ways that the companies are celebrating Pokémon and its 30-year run.
- TV Show(s)
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Pokémon
- Video Game(s)
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Pokemon Red and Blue, Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokemon Sapphire, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon Black and White, Pokemon Black and White 2, Pokemon X and Y, Pokemon Sun and Moon, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokemon Winds and Waves, Pokemon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Legends Z-A
- First Film
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Pokemon: The First Movie
- First TV Show
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Pokémon
- First Game
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Pokemon Red and Blue
- Genres
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RPG
Pokémon is a Japanese multimedia franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, launched by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures in 1996. Centered on fictional creatures called Pokémon, the series spans video games, trading cards, animation, films, merchandise, and competitive events. Players assume the role of Trainers who capture, battle, and trade Pokémon. It is one of the highest-grossing entertainment franchises in history.