Key points
- Pokemon and Build-a-Bear launch the Riolu plush, joining a growing line of popular pocket monsters.
- The Riolu plush includes a hoodie, voice chip and costs $57 USD.
- Future collaborations between Pokemon and Build-a-Bear remain unknown, with fans speculating about potential returns.
Pokémon and Build-a-Bear are collaborating once again, this time introducing a Riolu Build-a-Bear plush toy. As usual, the toy will be exclusive to Build-a-Bear, and the popular pocket monsters often sell out Pokémon fans shouldn't wait too long to secure one if they count Riolu among their favorites.
Introduced back inside Pokemon Diamond and PearlRiolu is the baby form of Lucario, one of the popular Pokemon in the series. Although Lucario is generally seen as more popular than Riolu, the evolved form surprisingly lacks a Build-a-Bear to this day. Build-a-Bear had already celebrated Lucario in part by giving Charmander a Lucario hoodie he could wear, but this is the first time the Pokemon evolutionary line has truly been brought to life by the plush company.
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Pokémon fans can now pick up Riolu from Build-a-Bear, the latest Pokemon to join the company following the release of Cubone Build-a-Bear in October. Like everyone Pokémon Build-a-Bears, there is much more than just a plush toy. In addition to the basic plush, Riolu also includes a custom hoodie he can wear and a 5-in-1 sound chip that allows him to “talk,” with recordings of his voice clips playing through the plush. The hoodie is a bit plain in its design, appearing mostly white with a Poke Ball design in the center breaking up the otherwise blank canvas. Those interested can pick up the Riolu Build-a-Bear for $57 USD.
The Pokemon Build-a-Bear line continues to grow
Pokémon and Build-a-Bear began their partnership in 2015, so the partnership between the two companies is approaching its ten-year anniversary. Naturally, the creations began with Pikachu, the series' mascot. Since the plush toys were an instant hit, other iconic starters, Eeveelutions, and popular Pokemon like Jigglypuff have also joined the lineup over the years.
For now, what the future of the two companies holds beyond Riolu remains unknown. Sometimes there are leaks and hints given before new Pokemon are introduced to Build-a-Bear, so fans should keep an eye out for them. While plans aren't known, many fans are likely hoping for the return of some discontinued Build-a-Bear toys that haven't been made available for years in honor of the 10-year anniversary. Even reintroducing some of the additional suits released over the years, if not the plushies themselves, would likely win over some ardent Pokémon fanatics.
Pokémon
Pokemon is a franchise that needs no introduction. One of the most successful media empires in history, Pokemon spans games, television, films, manga, merchandise, music and more.
- Created by
- Satoshi Tajiri
