It isn’t uncommon in Pokémon for its titular creatures to undergo slight redesigns, either in video games, anime, or in promotional products like merchandise. Often, it can be for practical purposes, such as to better assist the shift from a 2D asset to a 3D one, or it can just be to make the Pokémon that little bit cuter, give it a funny new hat, or return to a fan-favorite design from yesteryear. Whatever the reason, Pokémon redesigns are a thing to be celebrated, especially when they’re done well.
Fortunately, Pikachu’s latest redesign is one such successful attempt, in large part thanks to it being a love letter to all things original Pokémon. Fans of this particular ‘mon are sure to delight in the changes made and are likely to wish it were a permanent upgrade, especially as it makes the adorable mouse that little bit chonkier. At the very least, Pikachu’s new design is fun while it lasts, and luckily, something players who are particularly fond of can preserve permanently on their shelves.
Fat Pikachu Is The Best Pikachu
As part of Pokémon’s ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations, the toy manufacturing company, Tomy, released a brand-new Pikachu plush based on the iconic 1997 version. For those who’ve not had the great fortune of beholding the aforementioned original plush, it is an adorable toy designed to replicate the fat Pikachu look from the Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow video games. Before Pikachu settled on its current design, it used to be much bigger, sporting a rotund body and a smaller head. It’s a great look, one that, understandably, The Pokémon Company has moved beyond but absolutely deserves a revival.
It is great to see this new redesign, even if only for a plush, as it truly harkens back to the original game and the quaint Pokémon designs of that era. There’s something really remarkable and somewhat charming about Pikachu’s iconic old-school look, especially as it gives it a friendlier, or at the very least, squishier, appearance. Frankly, it would be amazing to see this redesign pop up in the games. Pikachu’s current design is great, but there’s always room for a beefier improvement.
Unfortunately, this plush, which was frankly one of the best Pikachu plushes ever made, sold out pretty quickly when it was first released, meaning anyone who missed out on it couldn’t get one without paying extortionate second-hand prices. Luckily, the online Japanese retailer, Shimamura Park, did a second wave of pre-orders for 6,930 JPY, or roughly $43.20. Of course, the likelihood is that by the time one reads this, the pre-order window will have closed. Fortunately, there is still plenty going on for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary to look forward to.
Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Is Going Strong
Pokémon’s 30th anniversary is quickly shaping up to be one of its best. The event has been celebrated rather extensively through merchandise, including the aforementioned Pikachu plush, as well as through the release of new games (such as FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch), in-person events like the Pokécology pop-up in the Natural History Museum in London, and a dedicated Pokémon Direct that saw the official reveal of the upcoming Pokémon Winds and Waves.
It’s hard to ask for much more from The Pokémon Company, especially as more is likely on its way, including the long-rumored Ruby and Sapphire Nintendo Switch ports. Even if you don’t fancy splashing a lot of money on the expensive merch or have simply missed out on the short pre-order windows, there’s plenty to enjoy, including within Pokémon’s numerous free-to-play apps. It is certainly a pretty phenomenal time to be a Pokémon fan, especially if you absolutely adore Pikachu and its new design, but here’s hoping that it only continues to get even better from here.
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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