gaming

Ken Sugimori's 'Fat Pikachu' revealed for Pokémon TCG 30th anniversary

Ken Sugimori produced a new 'Fat Pikachu' illustration for the Pokémon Trading Card Game's 30th anniversary, echoing his original chubbier Pikachu from three decades ago. Pikachu's design had slimmed over the years, and this anniversary artwork intentionally recalls the earlier look. Some fans reacted negatively to the new silhouette, making the reveal a focal point of community discussion.

• Ken Sugimori, who drew Pikachu’s original chubby design 30 years ago, created the new 'Fat Pikachu' artwork for the TCG anniversary.
• The new illustration intentionally references Pikachu’s earlier, rounder proportions after the character’s design became slimmer over time.
• The artwork was released as part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s 30th anniversary celebration.
• Some fans criticized the new silhouette, saying the 'Fat Pikachu' design did not resonate with them.