It's inevitable at this point that a new Pokémon game will be incredibly successful but that doesn't make the massive release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet any less impressive. Whilst some technical issues have detracted from the positives, there's been no question that Gen 9 has brought even more unique and lovable Pokémon into the lineup.
As fans of the franchise know, that will mean more merchandise too as it's always been one of the company's strengths. Despite that, Reddit still thinks Nintendo is missing a trick by not producing some of these amazing ideas as official merchandise.
A Working Pokédex
Of all the iconic items seen in Pokémon, it seems like a no-brainer that a Pokédex would be ideal for merchandise. Redditor hiddikel certainly thinks so, saying that "something like a phone or small digital device where all the information is on all pokemon and updatable to all the generations" would be an amazing merchandising opportunity.
Though it may have been a futuristic concept when first seen in Pokémon Red and Blue and merch in the early years was restricted to rudimentary replicas, such a device is more than possible to make now. Considering all the kids that dreamed of living in the world of the games and having their very own Pokédex to hand, it would likely sell very well.
Pokémon Curry Cookbook
Though it's an idea that may not have occurred to many users, Redditor Nu_clear_skin's suggestion for an "official Pokemon curry cook book" caught the imagination of culinary-minded Pokémon fans. With no less than 151 unique curry recipes in Pokémon Sword and Shield, there's certainly enough content for it.
Of course, that includes some unlikely dishes like "Sour Mushroom Medley Curry" and "Bitter Coconut Curry" but since they're largely based on real ingredients, it seems reasonable that most are at least possible to make. Whilst Pokémon's merch largely caters to a younger audience, it might be smart if they gave some attention to older, and more food-minded, fans
Shiny Pokémon Plushies
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Since there are shiny forms for every Pokémon type, the concept of plush toys for shiny Pokémon is more of a new genre of merchandise than a single product but it appeals to a huge amount of Pokémon fans. Redditor Click-Baitt acknowledges they may already exist but asks "Has anyone EVER seen one?"
In reality, there have been shiny Pokémon plushes made available as official merchandise before but the fact that that's relatively unknown even to some die-hard Pokémon fans proves how much more they could do with the idea. Players love dedicating hours to finding the shiny version of their favorite Pokémon in-game so there's no doubt many would happily wait in line and pay good money for a plush version.
Klefki Keychains
Though not everyone likes inanimate object-based Pokémon, Klefki stands as one of the more well-liked ones amongst those who remember the keychain Pokémon and its habit of holding onto keys it likes. Redditor oranosskyman thinks it's about time Nintendo took advantage of this.
They put forward "klefki keychains" as a piece of merchandise they think should exist. To work as a practical keychain, it would have to be a scaled-down version of the Pokémon but that doesn't mean it wouldn't still be an attractive product. Keychains and keyrings are a huge part of gaming merchandise and it's easy to imagine Klefki becoming a go-to as it's simply too fitting.
A Giant Snorlax Bed
There's something irresistibly charming about Snorlax, the giant lethargic Pokémon that spends most of its time dozing off and even allows children to bounce on its belly, and that's led to a ton of merchandise for it. Redditor LeadGem354 thinks they should expand the range to include a "King sized ( life-sized would be too big) Snorlax bed or bean bag."
Whilst Snorlax bean bags are available, the only ones on the market big enough to support a decent night's sleep are from unofficial sources. However, the fact that there's enough demand to have supported unofficial versions in the first place proves that it could be a lucrative product, albeit one on the much more expensive luxury end.
Garbodor Garbage Bags
There are some heavily unexplored areas in video game merchandising and household products are one of the biggest, likely because it's an area where practicality is highly favored over aesthetics. However, Redditor neonz09 has an idea that they think would take advantage of this under-utilized area as well as one of the least popular Poison-type Pokémon.
That idea is for "Garbador-themed garbage bags." Even fans of Garbodor would be forced to admit that it's one of the less aesthetically-pleasing Pokémon out there but its trash heap-inspired design would be perfect for holding actual trash. It's an idea that's hilarious to imagine though whether it could translate into a viable product would be interesting to see.
LEGO Pokémon Sets
There are few toy brands more influential than LEGO, a company that has thrived by bringing together its satisfying brick-stacking formula with big media brands like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Redditor legopieface doesn't know why the Pokémon collaboration hasn't happened yet, commenting "LEGO Pokemon would make so much $$$ for both companies."
The reason why LEGO doesn't make Pokémon sets is a result of Pokémon's license being held by Mattel's Mega Brands which is a direct competitor to the Danish toy brand. If a collaboration were to come about, it would likely require a ton of different pieces to fall in place but, understandably, fans are still holding out hope given just how massive such a tie-in would be.
A Teddy Bear-Sized Teddiursa
Some Pokémon seem made for a certain piece of merchandise and the adorable, bear-like Teddiursa can certainly be considered one of those. Redditor Lemondrop619 has discovered that this isn't quite being taken advantage of, however, as they found the only Teddiursa plushies available "too small to snuggle."
That's why they're one of a bunch of Pokémon fans that want to see the company selling Teddiursa soft toys that are the size and shape of a proper teddy bear. Teddy bears are still an incredibly abundant toy for younger children and putting a Pokémon twist on them could be a genius idea in general.
Ditto Seat Covers
Whilst Ditto might not have the cuteness appeal of a Pokémon like Pikachu, that doesn't mean there aren't plenty who love its blob-like shape and charmingly simple face. For fans of Ditto that don't feel like there's enough merch out there catered towards them, Redditor waterlillyhearts thinks they have the solution.
They comment that they want "seat covers/couch covers/everything covers that are pink with ditto's face." A home full of Ditto's goofy expression might sound nightmarish to those who don't see the appeal of the transforming Pokémon but enough die-hard fans could easily make it a profitable piece of merchandise.
Life-Sized Wailord Plush
Given that the price seems to start to exponentially increase as plushes get bigger, it might be sensible to limit ambitions when it comes to life-sized Pokémon plushes. Redditor Material_Bluebird_87 is happy to dream big, however, arguing there should be more life-sized plushes and going as far as to say "I want my 50 ft wailord plushie."
It's an idea that certainly catches the imagination. Whilst such a product would be unviable in the long-term, with very few being able, let alone willing to pay the huge price it would merit, it might be an interesting idea for a one-off publicity stunt to show the power of Pokémon merchandise.
Source:gamerant.com