Road of 25th Anniversary: Beckoning Specials

This would be the first post that addresses the big 25th anniversary of Pokémon ever since the onset of that anniversary. But it doesn't matter, since that is really the intent anyway. Accordingly, it is no longer a "road to", but a "road of (and from)" the said anniversary. And as the road of the anniversary continues, special things - specifically, merchandise - continue to "beckon" on the path of that road, many of which by now have been divulged. It becomes something good to touch on as the road of and from the anniversary date.

Back then, I noted that promotions for the TCG were imminent, and now that has been realized. One of the forms is called "First Partner" booster packs featuring the starter Pokémon of the eighth generation, including cards marked with the anniversary logo. These can be obtained through certain channels, some of which may be expected. For those who like getting their cards in unusual ways, some of them can be obtained through certain breakfast cereal boxes, and though the cards are limited in number, they are still significant nonetheless. Those who play (and/or collect) should have their reasons for getting the cards in the way that suits them.

On the high-tech side, some neat things have been announced. In partnership with The Wand Company, a die cast replica of a Poké Ball has been divulged, and it's to have motion sensors and colorful lights. With that kind of technology, it's expected to fetch a pretty penny, and it's a wonder regardless. For something a little less sophisticated, PowerA has a line of Nintendo Switch accessories based on Pikachu (certainly, National Dex #25) to celebrate the 25 years of Pokémon. These are more decently obtainable and should find favor for those who possess the Switch and want to ramp up the Pokémon celebration with something unique for that.

Pokémon books are always a given, and Scholastic - a popular publisher for them - kicks off an anniversary series of them with a flipbook featuring the adventures of Ash and Pikachu in Galar and Alola, complete with a special-edition poster. In the wearables department, there is a collaboration with Levi's, involving a denim Pikachu jacket and pants, as well as an attire set that replicates the clothing of Misty; both of them are very, very nice (especially the latter for fans of her) even at the prices they go for. The interests in these could be considered niche, but some fans will conceivably go for them, whether young or old.

With an amazing anniversary, the merchandise has to be amazing as well, and even if these are just the first taste, then they cement the deal for the anniversary. They are all special, and they are all "beckoning" for the fans who can and will get their hands of them in order to celebrate a quarter-century of a phenomenal game franchise. It may be that even after the specials have "beckoned" and the fans have gotten them, Pokémon will always remain a "beckoning" thing, and the above specials appear to be quite indicative of that.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 3

Two years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Cup

Three years ago: Lugia Raid Burnout

Four years ago: Ice Is Nice with Pokémon