Official news have confirmed that the next Pokemon stuffed toy to join the Build-A-Bear product range is from the franchise's first generation of pocket creatures. Pokemon fans who grew up playing the first video games, exploring the Kanto region, and filling up their first-ever Pokedexes will likely enjoy having the new Build-A-Bear Pokemon plush toy as part of their personal collections.
The partnership between The Pokemon Company and Build-A-Bear seems to be going strong. 2022 saw several releases of different pocket creatures for the product range, including starters from Pokemon Sword and Shield, the different evolutions of Normal-type Eevee, and even special edition Pikachus to celebrate Build-A-Bear's 25th anniversary. And now, 2023 seems to be no different between the two companies, with another Kanto region pocket creature spearheading the upcoming releases of new Pokemon stuffed toys for the Build-A-Bear collection.
On the official website of Build-A-Bear, it has been revealed that Growlithe is the latest addition to its Pokemon product range. Details such as bundle prices and inclusions were also added on the site. Just like most of the Pokemon items in the Build-A-Bear collection, Growlithe is only available for purchase online and will come in a bundle with special items. The bundle includes the stuffed toy, a 5-in-1 sound chip emulating the Pokemon's calls, a specially-designed cape, and cute sleeper pajamas that the plushie can wear. The whole package will set interested buyers back $70.00 US, and this does not include shipping fees around the United States.
More information can be found on the site.
According to the official website, some restrictions have been put on buying the Kanto region Fire-type Pokemon Growlithe. Likely to avoid reselling by illegitimate sources, purchases of the plushie are limited to five per guest. What's more, the items in the bundle cannot be bought separately, so fans will have to purchase the whole package even if they just want one item such as the cape or the sleeper PJs. For fans who enjoy the whole building experience, Growlithe already comes filled with stuffing so custom additions such as a scent cannot be accommodated within the order.
Nevertheless, long-time fans who still remember playing the first Pokemon video games are likely very happy to see another first generation pocket creature make it to the popular Build-A-Bear lineup. With 2023 having just begun, Build-A-Bear probably has a lot more Pokemon products to reveal and add to its ever-growing collection of stuffed toys. Hopefully The Pokemon Company will consider other fan favorites, especially the new pocket creatures that have just been introduced in its latest title, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
