Pokémon, the beloved IP celebrating its 30th anniversary this February, isn't just rolling out various projects; fans can also expect a slew of new announcements at the "Pokémon Presents" event later this month.
And to mark the occasion, Japanese toy giant TAKARA TOMY has just unveiled something truly special: the "Pokémon 30th Anniversary Welcome Home! Life-Size Pikachu Plushie." This adorable collectible faithfully recreates Pikachu's original, rounder design from its 1996 debut. Priced at 7,480 JPY, it's available for pre-order now!
If you're a long-time fan, you'll remember that Pikachu's early watercolor illustrations had a noticeably different proportion compared to its modern look. Back then, our favorite electric mouse was a bit more... well, plump! Its slightly chubbier silhouette later evolved into the more slender design we know today.
▼ Check out the comparison: early art on the left, modern design on the right.
Dubbed "Welcome Home! Pikachu 1/1," this new plushie is a faithful recreation of a version originally released in 1997. Measuring W280×H400×D290mm, this life-size Pikachu plushie is packed with nostalgic charm and undeniable presence.
You can definitely spot the clear difference between this classic chunky design and the more recent Pikachu plushies, right?
Pokémon 30th Anniversary Welcome Home! Pikachu 1/1
Price: 7,480 JPY
Release Date: February 28, 2026
via： TAKARA TOMY官網