Pokemon fans can now purchase a very special vinyl pressing of the soundtrack to Red and Blue — but, with only 500 copies made, time is of the essence.

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Pokemon franchise, and as such Nintendo is going all out with nostalgia for the original generation of battling beasties. Now, fans can purchase a vinyl copy of Junichi Masuda's memorable soundtrack to Pokemon Red and Blue as part of a strictly limited pressing.

Just 500 copies of the album are being made, containing tracks like the iconic battle theme as well as the now-iconic title screen music. The soundtrack disc even contains the classic theme from the animated television series, in addition to its stacked roster of toe-tapping chiptunes.

Beyond this impressive track listing, the record itself will no doubt prove to be a must-have for any serious Pokemon collector. The disc has been pressed up on red and white swirl wax to mimic a Pokeball, making it a compelling display piece for anyone looking to showcase their Poke-fandom.

This attention to detail continues via the specially commissioned album artwork designed for the anniversary release. The sleeve boasts a tribute to the indelible cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, with starter Pokemon from the original generation of games taking the places of the Fab Four.

pokemon soundtrack vinyl

Fans can purchase their copy of the album — which is being pressed by the capable Moonshake Records — via Turntable Lab. The disc will cost you $49.95, which isn't all too unreasonable given the nature of this collector's re-release and the special edition vinyl contained within.

As of the time of writing, the allocation of 500 copies has still not sold out — but, even if it does, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the anniversary of Satoshi Tajiri's internationally beloved creation. At the end of this month, Red, Blue and Yellow will be released for 3DS via the Virtual Console download service.

Before that, a Pokemon ad will air during Super Bowl 50, commemorating the series' birthday rather than promoting any one title. The Wii U version of fighting game spin-off Pokken Tournament is the franchise's next big release, and is expected to launch worldwide in March.

After twenty years, the popularity of Pokemon shows no signs of slowing. Between releases like this soundtrack album and the other titles launching in the coming months, the franchise remains one of the most reliably prosperous brands among the impressive roster of characters at Nintendo's disposal.

Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow will be re-released as a digital download for the Nintendo 3DS on February 27, 2016.

Source: Destructoid