The Pokémon Company and European Space Agency collaborated to send a Pikachu plush to the International Space Station for 67 days in 2026, completing 1040 orbits. The partnership includes exhibitions at ESA sites and European museums from September 2026 to April 2027, plus a special Pokémon GO event to inspire interest in space exploration.
Pokémon content creator Natalie Roush faced backlash after uploading a video opening what appear to be stolen 30th Anniversary Ultimate Premium Collection boxes months before their official November release. Roush claimed she personally purchased the boxes, but this admission contradicted standard industry practice where creators receive advance products under embargo agreements, implicating her in potential receipt of stolen property that The Pokémon Company confirmed was not legitimately available for sale.