Nintendo fans who have already pre-ordered the Lego Super Mario set will want to pull out their credit cards again for this one. This new interactive Pikachu robot is perfect for the young and young at heart.
Inspired by Yokohama’s annual Pikachu Outbreak event – which features hordes of fluffy Pikachus taking over the city – toy maker Takara Tomy is releasing the Pikachu Aruku de Chu, or Walking Pikachu. Small enough to fit in your hand, the electric mouse toy can walk, move its little yellow limbs and respond to voice commands. Much like in the Pokémon anime, this Pikachu reacts to its own name and responds accordingly with a high-pitched ‘Pika! Pika!’.
Walking Pikachu also has a range of emotions: if it’s in a good mood, it will sing a song, and if angered, Pikachu will attack, albeit adorably, with its signature Thunderbolt move. Pikachu’s cheeks will also blush red when reacting, just like in the anime series. We don’t see a mute button anywhere, so parents: get used to a whole lot of Pikachu language.
Pikachu Aruku de Chu goes on sale in Japan on August 1 for ¥3,850, but pre-orders have already started on Takara Tomy’s official website (Japanese only). Currently, pre-orders are for Japan only, but the toy will be available in other regions in Asia, including Korea, China and Hong Kong, at some point.
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