Japan is set to welcome a new addition to its Pokémon merchandise with the release of the Beginning Pikachu monochromatic plushies and keychains. These unique items, inspired by Pikachu’s inaugural sprite, are masterpieces of grayscale and pixelated art, making a throwback to the Pokémon realm from the 90s.
The Pokémon Company recently announced this new lineup paying an homage to the bygone era of Pokémon Red and Green. The merchandise, capturing the essence of the original Game Boy screen, hosts an impressive visual journey back to February 1996, when these two games made their premier in Japan. Set for release on February 28, 2026, both physical and online Pokémon Center outlets across Japan will house these exclusive products.
This edition of Pikachu plushies and keychains portray a grayscale and pixelated image of Pikachu, much as it was seen on the primitive Game Boy screen. As a tribute to the original Japanese release of Pokémon Red and Green, the plushie and keychain breathe nostalgia for dedicated fans of the franchise.
Interestingly, the sprite of Pikachu that the global audience was first introduced to during the 1998 international releases of Pokémon Red and Blue was not the original one. It was derived from the October 1996 Japanese release of Pokémon Blue, marking it the third unique version in Japan. This detail adds a profound layer of history to the new grayscale Pikachu plushie.
The Pokémon Company has ensured to separate its creation from the 1997 full-color Pikachu plush by Takara Tomy, which returns to the market on the same release day. While the vibrant and detailed full-color plushie depicts Pikachu in its natural glory, the monochrome version places its trust in grayscale colors and pixelated visuals which aim to capture the nostalgic charm of the original Game Boy screen.
The plushie is priced at ¥3,300 (~$21.10), while an accompanying keychain mascot is available for a reasonable ¥880 (~$5.60). This monochromatic merchandise lineup is set to honor the legacy of the original Pokémon games and offer fans a piece of history to collect.
In a nutshell, the Beginning Pikachu grayscale plushies and keychains, exclusive to Japan’s Pokémon Centres, are the pathway backward in time, meant to evoke the memories of the initial Pokémon Red and Green releases. Expected to meet shelves on February 28, 2026, they symbolize a slice of history that fans would itch to possess.
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