SDCC Exclusive Meowth Balloon Plush Brings Team Rocket’s Anime Look to Life
Just when it feels like The Pokémon Company has run out of fresh plush ideas after more than three decades, it manages to pull off a genuinely standout release. This time, the company is leaning into a very specific slice of Pokémon anime history with a plush modeled after the Meowth hot air balloon that Team Rocket used early on as their signature way to travel.
While the franchise’s ongoing goal is to keep introducing Pokémon to new generations, there’s also clear value in tapping the nostalgia long-time fans still carry. This Meowth balloon plush is aimed squarely at the players who’ve been around since the beginning—those who will instantly recognize the balloon from the anime.
A Jazwares Plush Replica From the Anime
The new plush is being made by Jazwares, the same company behind a wide range of Pokémon plush products, including items tied to the Squishmallows brand. The Meowth balloon plush is positioned as a close replica of the balloon seen in the show.
It doesn’t just recreate the balloon itself. The design also includes a small Meowth placed in the basket, and the plush is packaged in a branded Team Rocket box.
- Made by Jazwares
- Designed to resemble the hot air balloon from the Pokémon anime
- Includes a Meowth figure seated in the basket area
- Ships in a Team Rocket-branded box
More Plush News, Plus a Major Availability Warning
In addition to the Meowth balloon announcement, the source also notes that Sprigatito and five other Pokémon have been added to the Ditto collection.
As for the Meowth balloon plush, the “bad news” isn’t about the cost—at least not yet. The bigger concern is access. If you don’t plan to attend San Diego Comic-Con, you may have a very hard time getting one of these.
San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Details (Starting July 23)
Jazwares has confirmed that this plush will be available exclusively to Pokémon fans who visit its booth during this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. The convention begins on July 23.
Even then, there’s no guarantee you’ll walk away with one. With a likely small quantity, distribution is expected to follow a first-come, first-served approach—so arriving early could be the difference between securing the plush and missing out.
There is, however, a small possibility that the “convention exclusive” label won’t be absolute. Some companies run a similar model for SDCC exclusives—Funko, for instance, has released convention-limited Pop figures at major events and has often made them available through its website around the same time as the in-hall sales.
At the moment, though, most of those web releases typically mirror the window when the items are sold at the convention itself.
What to Expect at SDCC (Merch Clarification and Cast)
With only a couple of weeks left before one of the biggest convention events on the calendar, what you can expect to find on the merch side is starting to come into focus. Jazwares will be bringing the Meowth balloon plush to its booth.
Funko’s complete SDCC lineup hasn’t been fully revealed yet, but the source states that one outlet had exclusively shown some of the One Piece Pops and Loungefly merch that will be available during San Diego Comic-Con this year.
- Jazwares will have the Meowth balloon plush at its SDCC booth
- Funko’s full SDCC slate is still not fully disclosed
- Some One Piece Pops and Loungefly merch were revealed ahead of SDCC
Cast
- Rica Matsumoto — Satoshi (voice)
- Ikue Otani — Pikachu (voice)
