Pokemonturns 25 this year, and it has been an international phenomenon for much of that time. The franchise has expanded from video games into a popular anime, manga, a trading card game, and more, with plenty of merchandising opportunities such as recentcollectible McDonald’s-exclusivePokemoncards. Given the scope of The Pokemon Company’s offerings, it is inevitable that mistakes will happen, but one Magnemite plush has resulted in the company issuing a big apology.
Magnemite is one of the original 151 Pokemon introduced inPokemon RedandBlueon the Game Boy, and the Electric/Steel-type can evolve into Magneton followed by Magnezone; the second-stage form being introduced throughPokemon DiamondandPearl. Many are nostalgic for these first-generation monsters, leading to Pokemon like Charizard receiving many new forms as others likeEevee receive merchandise including Funko Pop figurines. Thus, it made sense when the Japanese Pokemon Center stores begin selling Magnemite plushes in July 2020.
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However, this particular plush was shipped with an error resulting in one of Magnemite’s magnets being turned upside down. An apology notice posted to the Pokemon Center’s Japanese website on February 6 offers pictures showing two versions of thePokemonplush, with the mistake resulting in the polarity of the magnets on both sides matching one another.
As a result of this mistake, any fan who has bought the plush between Jul 03, 2025 and June 07, 2025 is being offered the opportunity to exchange their purchase for a Magnemite with the correct construction by visiting a Pokemon Center store or calling its customer support center. However, there is nothing particularly dangerous about the mistake, so those who want to sit their mismatched Magnemite alongside otherPokemonmerchandise such as aBuild-A-Bear Workshop Mewstill have that option.
While a uniquely mismatched Magnemite is a mistake some may find charming, other errors which have slipped past The Pokemon Company have resulted in more drastic changes. Late last year anerrata was issued for a misprinted Cinderace Pokemon cardthat led to the Fire-type having a lower Retreat Cost than intended. All future reprints of the card are set to have the correct information published.
Giveaways such as the McDonald’sPokemon TCGpacks and new merchandise like aGigantamax Meowth plushare all fine ways for fans of the franchise to celebrate its 25th anniversary, but many are still waiting for the potential announcement of more video games. WhileNew Pokemon Snapis set to release this April, rumors aboutPokemon DiamondandPearlremakes will likely continue to circulate online until officialPokemonannouncements are made.
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