The Pokemon Company and Canon will be releasing the Canon iNSPiC Rec Pikachu, a Pokemon-themed camera, later this month. The camera features Pikachu, as the name suggests, but also features cameos by a few additional iconic Pokemon.
Although not the focus of every story set in the Pokemon universe, Pikachu is perhaps the most well-known of the series' creatures. This is surely due to Pikachu's starring role as Ash's first partner Pokemon in the Pokemon anime. Thus, Pikachu is no stranger to guest appearances in technology unrelated to video games. For example, the upcoming Pi!car! project is a Pikachu car packed with cutting-edge technology, spearheaded by Toyota.
The Canon iNSPiC Rec Pikachu features a Pikachu on its front, as well as a red dial on the back made to look like Pikachu's cheek. If owners are not enthused about the default Pikachu design, the camera comes with a number of adorable faceplates that feature Pikachu and other Pokemon like Pichu and Raichu. Curiously, Alolan Raichu, a unique Raichu variant, is nowhere to be seen. The camera can wirelessly connect to the Canon Mini Cam smartphone app, allowing photography fans to share their pictures with friends.
It's important to note that the camera is only available in Japan, with no international release announced at this time. This is not unusual, as special Pokemon items like giant stuffed Snorlax dolls go on sale only in certain countries or regions. It's also worth mentioning that the camera comes with a randomized set of faceplates. Every owner will receive the default Pikachu faceplate, but the other two included in each package are drawn from a pool of eight.
Some fans may be frustrated as Pikachu continues to get more attention than other Pokemon. For example, fans of Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield only get faceplates with the Galar starters, Yamper and Morpeko. Given that many Galar Pokemon were well-received, this may seem to be a major snub. On top of that, given the faceplate selection is randomized, there's no guarantee the camera will come with the faceplates someone wants most.
Still, the new release may indicate that The Pokemon Company is ready to embrace photography as a larger part of the Pokemon franchise. After all, fans eagerly await New Pokemon Snap, the upcoming Switch sequel to the cult classic Pokemon Snap on the Nintendo 64. Time will tell whether the camera will release internationally, or whether western fans might get another Pokemon camera to tide them over until the new game releases.
Source: Nintendo Wire