Build-A-Bear's newest Pokemon plush toy appears to have leaked to the company's storefront early, though it's since been quickly removed. The relationship between Pokemon and the Build-A-Bear company has grown dramatically since the first Pikachu was released in 2015. Now new Pokemon Build-A-Bear options are introduced every few months, with some months having multiple new additions. The latest Pokemon Build-A-Bear should make some first-generation Pokemon fans very happy.
Build-A-Bear has had a very slow 2023 with regard to new Pokemon plush toys. No new Pokemon toys have been introduced this year so far. That's compared to 2022, which featured seven new Pokemon plush toys -- though two were a Pikachu 25th anniversary re-release. Other 2022 Pokemon included Glaceon, Leafeon, and Sylveon, three of Build-A-Bear's ever-popular Eevee line of plushies. The remaining two Pokemon Build-A-Bears were also Grookey and Teddiursa, each a perfectly huggable Pokemon choices.
One Build-A-Bear fan was lucky enough to spot a glitch on the plush toy storefront's mobile website, whether the latest Pokemon had accidentally been listed early. That new Pokemon Build-A-Bear is Growlithe, the Fire-type Pokemon first introduced in Pokemon Red and Blue in 1998. Growlithe is a Pokemon with the appearance of a half-dog, half-tiger, though it's often referred to as the Puppy Pokemon. It should make for a very cuddly choice for Pokemon fans looking to get a new Build-A-Bear toy.
Fans won't have to wait long to get their orders in for Growlithe either, it seems. The leak for the Growlithe Build-A-Bear listed the Pokemon as a planned release for March 2023. While it seems Build-A-Bear isn't ready for the Pokemon toy to go live immediately, it appears to be coming soon. There's always a possibility that something went wrong and the Growlithe toy is being delayed, but it seems more likely Build-A-Bear is just waiting for a different time to make the announcement.
Those interested in purchasing the Growlithe Build-A-Bear should know that the storefront's prices can be quite high. Pokemon Build-A-Bear plush toys typically cost around $65, but depending on the make of the plush, they can climb up to $100 or more. For example, the currently-available Snorlax plush is listed at $99.50. Growlithe seems likely to be in the $65-75 range, though, as a four-legged Pokemon like the Eevee evolutions.
Build-A-Bear Pokemon plush toys do tend to come and go with relative quickness, it should be stated. Those interested in the Growlithe Build-A-Bear will want to get their orders in without waiting too long. Otherwise, it could sell out or rotate out of availability in a matter of weeks or months. Expect official details on the Growlithe Pokemon Build-A-Bear before long.