A Collector’s Guide To The 12 Mythical Pokémon Plush
TOMY’s Pokémon 20th Anniversary Collection turned 2016 into a year-long treasure hunt. Rather than releasing one large assortment at once, the collection introduced a different Mythical Pokémon plush during each month, encouraging fans to follow the schedule and visit specific retailers as new figures appeared.
The twelve plush figures represent a compact snapshot of Pokémon history, from the original-era Mew to later additions such as Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, and Hoopa. For collectors, the appeal is greater than simply owning twelve soft toys: each figure reflects a specific anniversary campaign, packaging style, and moment in the franchise’s release history.
Completing the set today requires a little more planning than it did in 2016. Figures may have been separated from their original packaging, listed under inconsistent names, or mixed with later TOMY plush lines. A clear checklist and a careful approach to condition can make the search considerably easier.
Identify The Official Set
The first step is defining what counts as part of the collection. The core set consists of twelve Mythical Pokémon plush released as part of the 20th Anniversary program: Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Darkrai, Manaphy, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, and Hoopa.
This distinction matters because TOMY released many other Pokémon plush during the same period. Pikachu products, standard character plush, and specialty figures may share similar tags or anniversary branding without belonging to the twelve-piece Mythical series. The official 20th Anniversary mark is one useful identifying feature, and its design history is documented in the anniversary logo, which can help distinguish campaign merchandise from ordinary releases.
Check the character name, hangtag, size, stitching, and copyright information together rather than relying on a single photograph. Listings can use phrases such as “20th plush,” “mythical figure,” or “TOMY Pokémon toy” loosely, so the complete combination of details is more reliable than a seller’s title.
Follow The Release Sequence
The monthly format gives the set a natural collecting order. Mew began the series, followed by Celebi and Jirachi, while the later months brought Darkrai, Manaphy, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, and Hoopa. The exact retail arrival date could vary by country or store, but the sequence remains a helpful framework for organizing a checklist.
A release calendar also helps identify missing pieces quickly. If a collector has Mew through Shaymin but lacks Arceus, the gap is easy to spot. If a listing claims to be part of the series but features a different character or an unfamiliar anniversary tag, the monthly sequence provides an immediate reason to investigate further.
| Release Position | Mythical Pokémon | Useful Collecting Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mew | Confirm the original anniversary hangtag |
| 2 | Celebi | Compare face embroidery with reference images |
| 3 | Jirachi | Check the pointed head and star details |
| 4 | Darkrai | Inspect the red collar and white head feature |
| 5 | Manaphy | Look for the blue body and head ornament |
| 6 | Shaymin | Verify the small floral details |
| 7 | Arceus | Check the gold ring and gray body |
| 8 | Victini | Inspect the large orange ear tips |
| 9 | Keldeo | Compare mane shape and hoof stitching |
| 10 | Meloetta | Check the long green hair and dress-like body |
| 11 | Genesect | Look for the distinctive back cannon |
| 12 | Hoopa | Confirm the ring and curled horn details |
Use Jirachi As A Reference Point
Jirachi is especially useful when learning how the collection looks in person. Its compact shape, pointed head, embroidered facial features, and pale body make it visually distinct, while its anniversary packaging provides a useful comparison for nearby releases. The dedicated Jirachi collection page can help collectors study the character’s presentation before purchasing a loose example.
When comparing photographs, focus on construction rather than minor differences caused by stuffing or storage. A plush that has been compressed in a box may appear flatter than a new example, and lighting can change the apparent color of fabric. The embroidery should remain crisp, the seams should be neat, and the proportions should match the official design.
A reference figure also makes it easier to spot mismatched accessories. Some sellers combine a plush with a generic Pokémon tag, a replacement plastic loop, or packaging from another TOMY release. Those additions do not automatically make the item fake, but they should be recorded accurately when assessing completeness and value.
Verify Condition And Packaging
Condition exists on a spectrum, and collectors should decide in advance which standard they want. A complete-in-package figure offers the strongest presentation, but sealed examples can be expensive and may show creases, fading, or shelf wear. A clean, carefully stored loose plush can be a better choice for someone who wants to display the characters rather than preserve every layer of packaging.
For loose figures, examine the fabric for discoloration, odors, pulled threads, and flattened stuffing. Pay close attention to embroidered eyes, facial markings, and small decorative elements, since these areas can suffer damage through handling. Ask for photographs of the front, back, bottom tag, and any accessories before committing to a purchase.
Packaging should be treated as part of the historical record. Check whether the anniversary logo, character name, manufacturer information, and licensing details are present and consistent. Since this was an officially licensed Nintendo collection, authentic product information should look professionally printed rather than blurred, improvised, or copied from another listing.
Account For Retailer Exclusivity
Retailer exclusivity is one reason a complete set can be uneven in price. Some figures were more widely available, while others were connected to particular stores or distribution channels. Regional differences also affected stock, packaging language, and the length of time an item remained on shelves.
This means a high asking price is not automatically proof of rarity. Compare several completed sales where possible, separate sealed examples from loose ones, and note whether a listing includes an original tag. A common figure with unusually strong packaging may cost more than a rarer character in worn condition.
It is also wise to keep the plush collection separate from adjacent TOMY anniversary products. The Clip ’n’ Carry Poké Ball line was a different toy category, although it can appear in the same searches and retailer listings. A complete Poké Ball list is useful when sorting mixed lots so that plush, figures, and accessories are not mistakenly counted together.
Build A Practical Buying Routine
A repeatable search process is more effective than buying the first available listing. Save searches for each character, include spelling variations, and check both “TOMY” and “20th Anniversary” terms. Sellers may identify Hoopa or Keldeo correctly while leaving the collection name out of the title, so broad searches can reveal items that a narrow query misses.
Use a simple record for purchase date, price, condition, packaging, seller, and photographs. This creates an inventory trail and prevents accidental duplicate purchases. It also helps distinguish a missing plush from one that is temporarily stored elsewhere, especially when the collection grows beyond the original twelve figures.
- Create one checklist with all twelve Mythical Pokémon.
- Record whether each plush is loose, tagged, boxed, or sealed.
- Compare several photographs before judging authenticity.
- Set a maximum price for each condition level.
- Store receipts, listing images, and packaging notes together.
Display The Finished Collection
Once the set is complete, display choices can protect both the plush and the story behind it. A shelf arranged in release order makes the monthly campaign visible, while a grouping by color or Pokémon generation can create a more character-focused presentation. Keeping the hangtags attached preserves useful information, even if the plush are handled regularly.
Avoid direct sunlight, damp rooms, and tightly packed storage. Fabric can fade, absorb odors, or develop permanent creases when compressed for long periods. Acid-free tissue, breathable containers, and occasional reshaping are safer than sealed plastic bags for long-term preservation.
A small card or label beneath each figure can add the release month and character name without altering the plush. For a collector, this turns a group of toys into a documented anniversary archive. The finished display then reflects both the design of the Mythical Pokémon and the unusual year-long retail strategy that brought them together.
Start with the missing character that appears least often, then use the checklist to fill the remaining gaps in sensible condition tiers. With patient searches, careful verification, and consistent records, the twelve figures can become a complete and well-preserved piece of TOMY Pokémon history.