Pokémon x ESA merch collection launches with the astronaut Pikachu plush that actually flew to space

Pokémon and the European Space Agency have turned their real-world space collaboration into a full merch drop, now live at the Pokémon Center. The collection centers on two new astronaut Pikachu plushies priced at $29.99 each, modeled directly after the plush ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot brought aboard the International Space Station earlier this year.

That original Pikachu spent 67 days in orbit and circled Earth over 1,000 times before the partnership came back down to Earth in merch form. The TCG accessories — a binder, deck box, and playmat — feature astronaut Pikachu floating alongside Lunatone, Cosmog, and Minior. Apparel includes T-shirts, hoodies, and a bomber jacket at $129.99 with individual Pokémon patches and a Poké Ball zipper. One item still without a release date is a Pikachu astronaut figure, so that's something to watch for. The collection is dropping ahead of World Space Week, which kicks off October 4.

The collaboration started on April 11 — the same day the original plush launched to the ISS. October 4 also marks the start of a space-themed Pokémon GO event and interactive Space and Pokémon exhibitions at select museums across Europe, though those are Europe-only. The Pokémon franchise is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and this ESA tie-in is one of the more unusual partnerships in that run of celebrations — a licensed plush that genuinely went to space before it went on sale.

The Pikachu astronaut figure remains the one holdout without a confirmed date, giving fans something to track while waiting for whatever Gen 10 brings. Everything else in the collection is available now at the Pokémon Center.