You can finally take your own Pikachu home by 2016. The Pokémon Company International, home of the official Pokémon merchandise, has partnered with Build-A-Bear Workshop to allow kids and adults alike to make a customized plush version of everyone's favorite electricity-type Pokémon. The plush is exclusive to Build-A-Bear Workshop but will be made available in its shops across North America, Europe and Australia.
Residents outside the aforementioned regions still have something to look forward to. Build-A-Bear Workshop will also make the Pikachu plush available onits website. Consumers will have the option to stuff their own Pikachu or order a pre-made one from the website. The difference between the two, aside from uniformity, is what freebies will be given to customers.
Those who opt to build their own Pikachu will receive an exclusive, limited-edition trading card. They can also make Pikachu wear a Pokéball hoodie, an additional accessory for purchase. Those who choose to purchase a pre-made stuffed Pikachu from the Build-A-Bear web store, can expect their furry friend to come with a sound chip, which will declare "Pika!," "Pikachu!" or a combination of both, along with the Pokéball hoodie and a Charizard costume.
"We are delighted to partner with a brand like Build-A-Bear Workshop that represents fun and friendship," said Monika Salazar, Director of Licensing at The Pokémon Company International.
There has been no announcement as to the exact date when Pikachu will be made available in Build-A-Bear Workshop chains, but you can be sure that you will see it in 2016, if Pokémon's 20th Anniversary holds any clue.
"There's lots of stuff planned for the 2016 year but nothing I can talk about now," Director of Consumer Marketing J.C. Smith said during the 2015 Pokémon World Championships held in August.
We will probably hear more from The Pokémon Company International about official plans and merchandise when 2016 rolls around.
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
