The Pokémon franchise has launched a new merchandise collection in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), timed to precede World Space Week. This line includes two new Pikachu plushies, each priced at $29.99, depicting the iconic Pokémon in distinct ESA spacesuit designs.
The inspiration for these plushies comes from an actual Pikachu plush that accompanied ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot on her journey to the International Space Station earlier this year. The new collection expands beyond plush toys to include apparel, pins, and various Trading Card Game (TCG) accessories, all available for purchase on The Pokémon Center website.
The initial phase of the Pokémon x ESA partnership began on April 11 with the launch of the original astronaut Pikachu plush into space. This plush spent 67 days in orbit aboard the International Space Station, completing over a thousand circuits of the Earth.
With World Space Week commencing on October 4, the merchandise drop signals a return to Earth for this collaboration. The same date also marks the beginning of a new space-themed event within Pokémon GO and the opening of interactive "Space and Pokémon" exhibitions at select European museums.
For fans in other regions, the new collection offers TCG accessories such as a binder, deck box, and playmat, all featuring illustrations of astronaut Pikachu alongside Pokémon like Lunatone, Cosmog, and Minior. The apparel range includes T-shirts and hoodies adorned with the same celestial Pokémon graphic. A bomber jacket, priced at $129.99, serves as the most expensive item, featuring embroidered Pokémon patches and a Poké Ball zipper.
The Pokémon franchise is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, which has seen numerous collaborations. Regarding the ESA partnership, The Pokémon Company International stated: “The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. Together, ESA and Pokémon aim to inspire and delight with endless cosmic possibility!”
While most of the collection is available now, a new figure of astronaut Pikachu has yet to receive a release date. This adds another anticipated item for fans as they await future developments, such as the rumored Generation 10 games.