Earlier this morning, The Pokémon Company announced that official replica Poké Balls are now available for pre-order, ahead of their release next year. Trainers interested in purchasing one should also be aware that, no, they are not meant to be thrown. The release of the iconic Poké Balls are the second wave of new Pokémon merchandise to be announced this week, after 151 different official Pokémon masks were made available for purchase.
There have already hints at big plans for the 25th anniversary of Pokémon next year, and (as expected) new merchandise looks to play a significant role in whatever The Pokémon Company has planned for the occasion. Of course, officially licensed merchandise has been a huge part of the Pokémon franchise from the beginning, from t-shirts and plushies to trading cards. Poké Balls have also previously been available for purchase, but not to the same degree of quality and accuracy as the newly announced item.
The Pokémon Company is looking to change that, according to its website, as it has announced a partnership with The Wand Company to produce high quality, die-cast replica Poké Balls. The Poké Balls are, "Equipped with proximity-sensing technology," which causes the button to glow when it detects nearby movement. Pressing the button also, "changes the light color or starts a Pokémon-catching illumination sequence." The Poké Ball is capable of performing other eye-catching displays as well, per the post,
"Each replica comes with a presentation case—authenticated by a uniquely-numbered hologram—and a polished stainless steel ring that provide multiple ways to properly protect and display the product. Fans will also enjoy multi-colored lights when opening the lid of the case, which can be controlled through a touch-sensitive metal plaque on the front of the case."
The post also mentions that other variations of the iconic Poké Ball will be released throughout 2021, including the great ball, ultra ball, and premier ball. However, The Wand Company's FAQ makes two things clear: the Poké Ball can't be opened, and under no circumstance should it be thrown, as it is a heavy collector's item and throwing it could easily damage the Poké Ball or even injure someone. The Poké Balls are listed for $99.99 (plus taxes and shipping), and pre-orders are scheduled to arrive on February 27 of next year.
The 20th anniversary saw the release of Pokémon Sun & Moon, and there have been long running rumors that remakes of Pokémon Diamond & Pearl are in the works, so 2021 will be a big year for the Pokémon franchise. But, until there is official news regarding any Generation 4 remakes, dedicated fans will still for sure have a chance to buy their own die-cast official Poké Ball starting now, as pre-orders are live at various retailers.