Pokémon My Friend Pikachu
Pi-KAA! With 10 sounds, light-up cheeks, and moving ears, this Pikachu is surprisingly durable. Just be sure to switch it from ‘demo’ to ‘on’ to hear all the sounds.
<p><strong>Toy Description</strong></p>
<p>Approximately 10 inches tall.</p>
<p>Requires 2 AA batteries, which are included.</p>
<p>A switch on the bottom sets the toy to off, demo, or on.</p>
<p><strong>Play</strong></p>
<p>Press the belly to make the ears move and activate one of ten sounds.</p>
<p><strong>Overview</strong></p>
<p>Getting Pikachu out of the box may be almost as difficult as Ash trying to get Pikachu into a Pokeball. Numerous ties and plastic bits will require a good pair of scissors to get through, so plan ahead for this if giving the toy as a gift.</p>
<p>Once out, look for the power switch on the bottom of the toy. It should arrive set to ‘demo,’ which restricts the noises to only three sounds. Setting the toy to ‘on’ allows for all ten sounds, a few of which sound like a baby giggling. While this sound is certainly cute, a few users have said that it sounds more like a Tickle Me Elmo than a Pokemon. Some really picky fans might not like this sound, so just switch the toy back over to ‘demo’ to keep it down to traditional Pika-speak.</p>
<p>Turn the toy ‘off’ when ready for bed or naps. Sometimes the toy will make a noise if turned on its side or shook up and down, so turning it off just helps avoid those surprise noises. Turning the toy fully off also helps when trying to keep the toy wrapped up or hidden as a gift. Sorta blows the whole surprise when a package starts saying “Pi-KA!”</p>
<p>The ears move up and down when the belly is pressed, controlled by an internal lever. The mechanical parts can be felt through the padding when squeezed, but it’s not uncomfortable to give the toy a hug. Since the ears are controlled mechanically and not electronically, they don’t take up battery power.</p>
<p>We’re also impressed with the durability of the ears. Kids can drop the toy or knock it off a table and the toy keeps a-tickin’. It shouldn’t be thrown around recklessly, but it can handle a few accidents here and there.</p>
<p>Overall, this toy is pleasing fans of all ages. We recommend it for ages 3-8, though, because older kids may only want it for the purpose of building their collection. If that’s the case, then they don’t really need a toy that makes sound or moves. A plush or figurine may work just as well for older kids.</p>
<p><strong>Care</strong></p>
<p>Wipe down with damp cloth.</p>
<p><strong>Parts and Pieces</strong></p>
<p>Requires 2 AA batteries, which are included.</p>
<p><strong>Concerns</strong></p>
<p>The vast majority of users are thrilled with their Pikachu, though a few have noted that they wish it had more of the sassy sounds Pikachu makes on the show. This has not been a deal-breaker for buyers, though.</p>
Written by: The Guide For Toys
Pokémon My Friend Pikachu
Date published: 2016-12-12
8.00 / 10 stars
Detailed ReviewToy Description
Approximately 10 inches tall.
Requires 2 AA batteries, which are included.
A switch on the bottom sets the toy to off, demo, or on.
Play
Press the belly to make the ears move and activate one of ten sounds.
Overview
Getting Pikachu out of the box may be almost as difficult as Ash trying to get Pikachu into a Pokeball. Numerous ties and plastic bits will require a good pair of scissors to get through, so plan ahead for this if giving the toy as a gift.
Once out, look for the power switch on the bottom of the toy. It should arrive set to ‘demo,’ which restricts the noises to only three sounds. Setting the toy to ‘on’ allows for all ten sounds, a few of which sound like a baby giggling. While this sound is certainly cute, a few users have said that it sounds more like a Tickle Me Elmo than a Pokemon. Some really picky fans might not like this sound, so just switch the toy back over to ‘demo’ to keep it down to traditional Pika-speak.
Turn the toy ‘off’ when ready for bed or naps. Sometimes the toy will make a noise if turned on its side or shook up and down, so turning it off just helps avoid those surprise noises. Turning the toy fully off also helps when trying to keep the toy wrapped up or hidden as a gift. Sorta blows the whole surprise when a package starts saying “Pi-KA!”
The ears move up and down when the belly is pressed, controlled by an internal lever. The mechanical parts can be felt through the padding when squeezed, but it’s not uncomfortable to give the toy a hug. Since the ears are controlled mechanically and not electronically, they don’t take up battery power.
We’re also impressed with the durability of the ears. Kids can drop the toy or knock it off a table and the toy keeps a-tickin’. It shouldn’t be thrown around recklessly, but it can handle a few accidents here and there.
Overall, this toy is pleasing fans of all ages. We recommend it for ages 3-8, though, because older kids may only want it for the purpose of building their collection. If that’s the case, then they don’t really need a toy that makes sound or moves. A plush or figurine may work just as well for older kids.
Care
Wipe down with damp cloth.
Parts and Pieces
Requires 2 AA batteries, which are included.
Concerns
The vast majority of users are thrilled with their Pikachu, though a few have noted that they wish it had more of the sassy sounds Pikachu makes on the show. This has not been a deal-breaker for buyers, though.