Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball: The 20-character collector’s guide
TOMY’s 2016 Pokémon 20th Anniversary Collection gave fans several ways to celebrate the franchise’s original era. Alongside plush figures, special Pikachu products, and other licensed toys, the Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball range turned character collecting into a compact, portable play experience.
Each set paired a molded Poké Ball with a small Pokémon figure. The ball could be opened for display, closed for storage, and attached to clothing or a bag with its clip. That combination made the series appealing to children while giving adult fans a manageable way to collect recognizable characters from across the Pokémon world.
The range is especially interesting because it was released during a carefully organized anniversary program. Products appeared throughout 2016, with some items tied to specific retailers and others associated with the broader TOMY collection. The result was a series that can be difficult to document from packaging alone, particularly when regional assortments and store availability are taken into account.
What made the Clip 'n' Carry series distinctive
The central idea was simple: a Poké Ball served as both package and accessory. Once opened, it revealed a miniature Pokémon figure; once closed, it protected the figure and could travel with its owner. The included clip reinforced the “carry” part of the product name and separated the toy from ordinary static figurines.
The design also matched the play pattern established by the Pokémon games and animated series. Collectors could choose a favorite Pokémon, carry it in a Poké Ball, and build a team over time. For younger fans, the format encouraged imaginative play, while collectors could arrange the balls by character, type, generation, or visual appeal.
The anniversary branding helped give the range a unified identity. TOMY used recognizable artwork and a celebratory presentation across the year, as seen in the packaging artwork created for the wider 2016 program.
The complete character roster
The 20-character lineup emphasized familiar Pokémon rather than attempting to represent every generation available by 2016. The selection leaned heavily toward the original 151, with a few especially prominent legendary and fan-favorite characters receiving a place in the assortment.
| Character | Character | Character | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pikachu | Bulbasaur | Charmander | Squirtle |
| Eevee | Meowth | Jigglypuff | Psyduck |
| Gengar | Snorlax | Lapras | Dragonite |
| Vaporeon | Jolteon | Flareon | Mew |
| Mewtwo | Articuno | Zapdos | Moltres |
This complete list of 20 characters released in the anniversary Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball assortment includes several clear groupings. Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle represent the original starter Pokémon, while Eevee and its three first-generation evolutions create a natural mini-collection within the range.
The legendary birds—Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres—add another recognizable set. Mew and Mewtwo provide a contrasting pair, and the inclusion of Gengar, Snorlax, Lapras, and Dragonite rounds out the roster with Pokémon that had strong visibility in games, animation, merchandise, and fan culture.
How the characters work as a collection
Pikachu is the obvious centerpiece. As the franchise mascot, it was essential to the anniversary assortment and helped connect the Clip 'n' Carry product to the many Pikachu-themed items released during 2016. Its presence also made the range immediately identifiable to casual shoppers who might not recognize every other character.
The starter trio offers a strong entry point for collectors who prefer the earliest games. Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle are associated with the first major player choice in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, so owning all three creates a meaningful group rather than three unrelated figures.
Eevee’s presence is especially useful for display planning. With Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon included, collectors can show the original three Eeveelutions together. They also bring contrasting colors and silhouettes to a display of Poké Balls, making that subset visually distinctive.
The remaining characters broaden the appeal. Meowth and Jigglypuff are strongly linked with the animated series, Psyduck is memorable for its comic personality, and Mew, Mewtwo, and the legendary birds bring a more powerful or mysterious tone to the lineup.
Release context and anniversary timing
The Clip 'n' Carry toys were part of a larger calendar of 20th anniversary products rather than an isolated launch. TOMY’s releases appeared alongside plush, figures, and specialty merchandise, allowing fans to follow the celebration month by month. Retailer exclusivity also meant that availability could vary, which is one reason collectors may encounter different assortments or packaging in the secondary market.
The timing connected the toys to a year of major Pokémon attention. The anniversary celebrated the 1996 Japanese debut of the franchise, while the animated films and related promotions helped keep classic Pokémon in the public eye. The collection’s relationship to the films is explored in the movie release connection, adding useful context for understanding why certain characters received prominent treatment during the year.
Although the toys were designed for children, their compact scale and character-driven format gave them lasting collector value. A complete set is easier to display than a large plush assortment, and the Poké Ball cases preserve the central theme even when the figures are not being handled.
Identifying genuine sets and regional variations
Collectors should examine the Poké Ball, figure, clip, carding, and copyright information together. A loose figure by itself may be difficult to identify because small Pokémon toys from different TOMY assortments can look similar. Packaging marked with the 20th anniversary branding is particularly helpful when verifying that an item belongs to the 2016 collection.
Condition is important because the clip was designed for repeated use. Check whether it is present, whether the ball closes securely, and whether the hinge shows stress. Paint wear on facial details, ears, wings, or tails is also common on loose examples. For packaged pieces, inspect the blister and printed insert for crushing, yellowing, or separation.
Regional packaging can create apparent differences without indicating a different character release. Logos, legal text, retailer markings, and language panels may vary by market. The Pokémon figure and Poké Ball combination should therefore be compared alongside the packaging rather than judged from a single photograph.
Why the 20-character lineup still matters
The assortment captures a particular moment in Pokémon merchandising. By 2016, the franchise had expanded far beyond its first generation, yet the anniversary campaign placed classic characters at the center. The Clip 'n' Carry selection reflects that balance: it includes a few later-era favorites through the broader franchise identity, but its strongest emphasis remains on Pokémon familiar from the earliest games and animated episodes.
It also demonstrates how character selection can create collecting pathways. A fan may begin with Pikachu, complete the original starters, pursue the Eeveelutions, or focus on legendary Pokémon. The lineup supports several small themes while still functioning as one coherent 20-piece set.
For collectors researching the wider TOMY program, the Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball toys are best viewed alongside the plush and specialty releases. Some Pokémon appeared in more than one format, and the different plush sizes provide an example of how the same character could occupy different places within the anniversary range.
Practical collecting priorities
- Begin with the Poké Ball and figure pair, then verify the clip and original packaging where possible.
- Group the roster into starters, Eeveelutions, legendary Pokémon, and animated-series favorites.
- Compare regional packaging before assuming that a wording or logo difference represents a separate release.
- Inspect hinges, clips, paint applications, and blister condition when assessing value.
- Keep a checklist of all 20 characters to avoid overlooking a less common figure such as Dragonite, Lapras, or Psyduck.
TOMY’s Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball series remains a concise snapshot of Pokémon’s 20th anniversary: portable, highly recognizable, and built around a carefully chosen character roster. Use the 20-name checklist above to audit an existing collection, identify missing releases, and document each figure with its matching Poké Ball and packaging.