NewPokemon-themed snacks will soon be available for fans in Japan to enjoy, and for cheap too.Pokemonas a franchise has never really been lacking in official merchandise, and that will continue to be the case with this latest collaboration, which will take place alongside the debut of the series’ next big games.
It’s been discovered that 7-Eleven has partnered with The Pokemon Company to sell onigiri rice balls based on the franchise’s iconic Poke Balls. The convenience store chain will start selling thesePokemonsnacks in Japanese stores starting on November 18, coinciding with thelaunch ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet. Prices will vary between 151 and 172 yen, or between $1 and $1.25 USD, so fans in the country should be able to afford one or more without breaking the bank.
RELATED:Twitch Streamer Amouranth Buys 7-Eleven Store for $10 Million
Three different Poke Ball onigiri will be available later this week, each sporting its own mix of flavors and packaging inspired by one ofPokemon’s many monster-catching devices. One will be based on the standard red and white Poke Ball and will boast pepper rice, garlic mayonnaise, and a teriyaki sausage patty. Another made to resemble a Great Ball will come with a rice omelet, chicken rice, and mushrooms. The third and last one, based on the Ultra Ball, will include tonkotsu pork broth and a hard-boiled egg.
As far as food goes, onigiri is a strong choice for aPokemon-themed snack. Beyond being a popular snack in the franchise’s home country, onigiri have earned something of ameme status among fans of thePokemonanimedue to the English dub referring to them as jelly donuts instead of rice balls. One can consider it a fun, tasty, and referential way to celebrate the franchise’s past while welcoming its future with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s arrival later this week.
The franchise as a whole is riding high these days.Scarlet and Violetare about to introduce the first fully open-worldPokemongames to the series, other games likePokemon GOandPokemon Unitecontinue to be popular, and thePokemon TCGremains one of the biggest card games for players and collectors alike. ThePokemonanime also saw a historic milestone this month, as series protagonistAsh Ketchum was crowned the Pokemon World Champion, finally achieving his dream of becoming the greatest Pokemon trainer after 25 years.
Amid all this,Pokemoncontinues to see new merchandise released, withPokemon-themed Puma shoes and other apparel. WithPokemon Scarlet and Violetlaunching on Friday, no doubt there will be even more for fans to get their hands on as the franchise’s ninth generation begins.
MORE:Every Cross-Gen Evo Leaked for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
