The Full 2016 Lineup
From Mew and Celebi through Genesect and Meloetta, each month of 2016 brought a new limited-edition TOMY toy honoring a rare mythical Pokémon at a specific retailer.
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Manufactured by
TOMY
Under license from
Nintendo
Celebrating 20 Years of Pokémon
For tips on finding these limited-edition toys today, check out our guide Buying Pokémon 20th Anniversary toys on the aftermarket. Throughout 2016, TOMY International released a new limited-edition Pokémon toy each month, each featuring a different mythical Pokémon. From Mew in February through Meloetta in December, every release was manufactured by TOMY under license from Nintendo and made available at a specific retailer for a limited time.
Pikachu #025 toys were available year-round, while each month brought a fresh mythical Pokémon for collectors and fans to discover. Ever wondered how the Clip ’n’ Carry Poké Ball captures the iconic design of the Master Ball? Discover the full story in our detailed look How the Clip ’n’ Carry Poké Ball channels the Master Ball. The collection included plush figures, Clip 'n' Carry Poké Balls, and other specialty items.
Explore the CollectionMonthly Mythical Releases
Mew #151 — February
The mythical Mew kicked off the monthly series in February 2016.
Jirachi #385 — April
Featured an 8" crushed-velvet plush with a reusable vinyl bag and a Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball.
Arceus — August
The Alpha Pokémon rounded out the summer with an August 2016 release.
Collection Highlights
Pikachu: Year-Round Favorite
While mythical Pokémon rotated monthly, Pikachu #025 toys remained available throughout the entire 2016 anniversary celebration — a constant companion for every Trainer.
Read MoreThe Pokémon 20th Anniversary Collection stands as one of the most memorable celebrations in the franchise's long and storied history. Throughout 2016, TOMY released a carefully curated series of limited-edition toys, each honoring a different mythical Pokémon that had captured the imagination of trainers around the world. From the very first announcement, collectors and fans alike recognized that this was something special — a year-long journey through the rarest and most mysterious creatures in the Pokémon universe. Each monthly release became an event in its own right, building anticipation and excitement across the community.
The collection began with Mew in February, a fitting start given Mew's legendary status as one of the original mythical Pokémon and its reputation for being nearly impossible to encounter in the wild. Each subsequent month introduced another beloved mythical creature, from the time-traveling Celebi to the wish-granting Jirachi, and continued through the year with Darkrai, Manaphy, Shaymin, and Arceus. The series then moved into the next generation with Victini, Keldeo, Genesect, and Meloetta, culminating in December. Every figure was crafted with care and attention to detail, honoring the unique design and personality of each Pokémon.
What made this collection particularly special was the exclusive nature of each release. Rather than being widely available at every retailer, each monthly figure was made available at a specific retailer, adding an element of treasure hunting for dedicated collectors. This approach created a sense of scarcity and exclusivity that only heightened the appeal of the collection. Fans who managed to track down every single release throughout the year were rewarded with a complete set of twelve remarkable figures, each one a tangible piece of Pokémon history and a testament to the enduring popularity of these mythical creatures.
Manufactured by TOMY under license from Nintendo, every piece in the collection met the highest standards of quality and authenticity. The official licensing ensured that each figure accurately represented its Pokémon counterpart, from distinctive colors and proportions to the subtle details that make each creature recognizable to even casual fans. TOMY's reputation for producing durable, well-crafted toys meant that collectors could display these pieces with pride, knowing they would stand the test of time. The partnership between TOMY and Nintendo represented a meeting of two companies deeply committed to honoring the legacy of the Pokémon franchise.
The year 2016 marked two full decades since the Pokémon franchise first captured the hearts of fans worldwide, and this collection served as a fitting tribute to that milestone. For many longtime trainers, the release of each monthly figure brought back memories of their own journeys through the Pokémon world — the first game they played, the first Pokémon they caught, the friends they made along the way. The 20th Anniversary Collection was more than just a series of toys; it was a celebration of shared experiences and the enduring bond between trainers and their Pokémon that has defined the franchise for so many years.
Collectors who participated in the full year of releases found themselves on a unique journey, one that mirrored the spirit of the Pokémon games themselves. Each month brought a new quest, a new destination, and a new mythical encounter. The limited availability at specific retailers meant that some collectors traveled considerable distances or coordinated carefully with friends and family to secure each release. This shared pursuit created a sense of community among collectors, who exchanged tips, stories, and enthusiasm for each new figure as it arrived. The collection became more than the sum of its parts, representing a shared adventure undertaken by fans around the world.
Today, the Pokémon 20th Anniversary Collection remains a cherished piece of franchise history, highly sought after by collectors and remembered fondly by fans who experienced the excitement of each monthly release. The figures serve as a reminder of a year when the Pokémon world came together to celebrate two decades of adventure, discovery, and friendship. Whether displayed proudly on a shelf, kept carefully in their original packaging, or passed down to a new generation of trainers, these twelve mythical Pokémon continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who collected them. The legacy of the 20th Anniversary Collection endures as a testament to the lasting magic of Pokémon.