The Pokémon Company is commemorating the 25th anniversary of Pokémon Gold and Silver‘s release with exclusive merchandise featuring the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh and Lugia. These unique plushies, now available on the Pokémon Center website, showcase the iconic Pokémon in striking gold and silver color schemes, a nod to the games that introduced them to the world. Priced at $49.99 each, these plushies are a must-have for any Pokémon fan.
These aren’t your average plushies; they’re designed as substantial display pieces. Ho-Oh stands tall at 15 and 3/4 inches, while Lugia measures an impressive 17 and 1/4 inches. Whether displayed individually or as a pair, these plushies are sure to make a statement. You can find the Ho-Oh plush here and the Lugia plush here on the Pokémon Center website.
Alt text: Gold and silver Ho-Oh and Lugia plushies from the Pokemon Center website, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Pokemon Gold and Silver.
Ho-Oh and Lugia: From Anime to Game Boy
While integral to the Pokémon Gold and Silver storyline, both Ho-Oh and Lugia debuted in the Pokémon anime. Ho-Oh made a memorable appearance at the close of the very first episode, soaring through the sky above Ash and Pikachu at the start of their journey. Lugia took center stage in the animated film Pokémon: The Power of One. These early appearances ensured fans were already acquainted with these legendary Pokémon before their arrival in the games.
The Legacy of Pokémon Gold and Silver
Pokémon Gold and Silver hold a special place in the hearts of many fans. The games introduced the Johto region, 100 new Pokémon (including favorites like Scizor, Tyranitar, and Feraligatr), a robust post-game adventure in the Kanto region featuring classic Gym Leader battles, and the now-ubiquitous Shiny Pokémon. These additions significantly impacted the franchise, solidifying Gold and Silver‘s position as a beloved entry.
Revisiting Johto: A Challenge for Modern Players
Unfortunately, experiencing Pokémon Gold and Silver on current platforms is difficult. While the Nintendo DS remakes, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, and the 3DS re-releases offered ways to revisit Johto, neither the originals nor the remakes are available on the Nintendo Switch. Fans remain hopeful for future releases that will allow them to experience these classic games on modern consoles.
More 25th Anniversary Celebrations?
Currently, it’s uncertain if additional celebrations are planned for the Pokémon Gold and Silver anniversary. Given the games’ enduring popularity and impact on the franchise, fans eagerly anticipate any further announcements.
Were you among the trainers who explored Johto when Pokémon Gold and Silver first launched? Are these commemorative plushies catching your eye? Share your thoughts on Twitter @Marcdachamp, Bluesky @Marcdachamp, or Instagram @Dachampgaming.
