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The Pokemon Company has revealed the Beginning Pikachu lineup of monochromatic plushies and keychains modeled after the inaugural sprite of Pikachu. It will release the new merchandise in its physical and online Pokemon Center outlets across Japan on February 28, 2026.
The new items will depict Pikachu’s sprite that appeared in the inaugural Japanese releases of Pokemon Red and Green in February 1996. It is worth noting that the first Pikachu sprite seen outside Japan with the 1998 international releases of Pokemon Red and Blue were actually based on the October 1996 Japanese release of Pokemon Blue, which appeared as the third separate version in Japan.
The Pokemon Company will distinguish its new plush from the 1997 chonky plush that Takara Tomy will re-release on the same day. Takara Tomy’s plush depicts the original Pikachu artwork in full color and natural details, while this monochromatic plush will feature pixels and grayscale colors that would more accurately replicate Pikachu’s sprite as it appeared on the original Game Boy screen.
Sample images for both the plush and keychain are available below. The plush will have a price tag of ¥3,300 (~$21.10), while the mascot keychain will be available at ¥880 (~$5.60).
The Beginning Pikachu plushies and mascot keychains from Pokemon Red and Green will be available for sale in Japan on February 28, 2026.
