The Pokémon 20th Anniversary Poké Ball Figure Assortment
TOMY’s Pokémon 20th Anniversary Collection turned a familiar toy format into a celebration of two decades of Pokémon history. Among the most recognizable releases was the Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball, a portable playset that combined a character figure with a wearable Poké Ball accessory.
The concept was simple: open the ball, discover the Pokémon inside, and carry the capsule on a belt clip. That format made the toy appealing to younger fans, while the anniversary packaging and limited release period gave collectors a reason to track down each variation.
The figures associated with the anniversary Clip 'n' Carry assortment were Pikachu, Charizard, and Mew. They represented three different sides of the franchise: its central mascot, one of its most popular evolved Pokémon, and the Mythical Pokémon linked to the original generation’s collecting mystery.
A Small Toy With Anniversary Significance
The Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball was designed as an interactive accessory rather than a conventional figure pack. The outer ball opened to reveal a small Pokémon figure, and the attached clip allowed children to wear it on a belt, bag, or other suitable strap. It recreated the feeling of carrying a Poké Ball from the animated series and games.
For the 20th anniversary, TOMY gave the format a commemorative identity. The packaging connected the toy to the wider 2016 campaign, which included plush figures, playsets, figures, and other Pokémon merchandise released through the year. Official Nintendo licensing also helped distinguish the collection from unofficial character products.
The ball itself was the main display piece, but the figure determined which version a collector had found. Since many retail listings described the item as an assortment, shoppers could not always select a specific character in advance. That element of uncertainty made opening the package part of the experience.
The Pokémon Found Inside
Pikachu was the most immediately recognizable version. As the franchise mascot, Pikachu was a natural choice for a 20th anniversary product and appeared throughout TOMY’s commemorative range. The small figure gave the ball strong display appeal, while the character’s broad popularity made this version especially easy to recognize.
Charizard brought a different kind of appeal. Its dragon-like design, fire typing, and status as one of the original starter evolutions have made it one of the most enduring Pokémon from the first generation. A Charizard Clip 'n' Carry ball therefore appealed to fans who wanted a more dramatic figure than the standard Pikachu release.
Mew completed the principal character assortment. As the elusive Mythical Pokémon associated with the earliest games, Mew suited a commemorative collection focused on Pokémon history. Its presence also linked the Clip 'n' Carry range to the special mythical Pokémon plush releases that appeared during the anniversary year.
These three character pairings are the key answer for collectors identifying the anniversary version: the ball could contain Pikachu, Charizard, or Mew. Loose figures, opened packaging, and mixed retailer cases can make the assortment look broader than it was, so the packaging date and product markings are useful when checking a particular example.
Comparing The Character Versions
Each figure gave the same basic accessory a different collecting purpose. Pikachu represented the brand as a whole, Charizard emphasized the popularity of the original games, and Mew connected the toy to the rare and mysterious side of Pokémon lore.
The table below summarizes the character identities and the details collectors are most likely to use when comparing examples.
| Pokémon inside | Collection role | Why collectors notice it | Common identification clue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pikachu | Franchise mascot | Broadest general appeal and strong anniversary relevance | Yellow figure paired with the standard Clip 'n' Carry ball |
| Charizard | Original-generation favorite | Popular evolved starter with a distinctive silhouette | Orange winged figure visible through opened packaging |
| Mew | Mythical Pokémon representative | Connects with the year’s mythical Pokémon theme | Small pink figure and anniversary-themed product labeling |
The figures were compact, so details such as pose, paint application, and facial printing may vary slightly between examples. Minor differences do not necessarily indicate a separate character release. Collectors should first compare the Pokémon’s overall silhouette and color scheme, then examine packaging information if it remains available.
How The Ball Fits The 2016 Collection
The Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball was one part of a much larger annual program. TOMY released special products throughout 2016, with individual months often highlighting particular Mythical Pokémon. Plush figures, small figures, and other toys gave fans several ways to follow the anniversary beyond the three-character ball assortment.
That broader context matters because Mew appears in more than one part of the collection. A Mew plush and a Mew Clip 'n' Carry figure are related by theme but are separate products, with different sizes, packaging, and release details. Collectors comparing soft toys can consult this plush size guide to avoid treating similarly named items as the same release.
Pikachu also received special attention across the anniversary program. The character appeared in products beyond the Clip 'n' Carry line, which means a collection described simply as “the 20th anniversary Pikachu” may include several distinct TOMY items. Product format, accessories, and packaging are important for separating them.
Retail Packaging And Availability
The Clip 'n' Carry Poké Balls were sold through retail channels rather than presented as a single, universally available online assortment. Availability could differ by store, region, and release period. Some retailers listed the item with a specific character, while others used an assortment description and shipped a version selected from available stock.
That system explains why collectors may encounter uneven distribution. One store might have several Pikachu units, while another could receive Charizard or Mew. A sealed case, when found, can be more informative than an individual loose ball because it preserves the assortment label and the original character identification.
Retailer exclusivity was also a feature of the broader 20th Anniversary Collection. Certain products or variations were promoted through particular chains, making purchase location part of the item’s history. However, exclusivity does not automatically mean that every character was limited to one retailer; collectors should rely on packaging and catalog information rather than assumptions based on where an item was found.
Checking An Opened Or Loose Example
An opened ball is still easy to identify when the original figure is present. Look for the molded shape and dominant colors first: Pikachu is yellow, Charizard is orange with wings, and Mew is pink with a long, thin tail. The ball and belt clip should then be checked for wear, missing hardware, or replacement parts.
Packaging is especially valuable for confirming anniversary status. The 2016 branding, TOMY name, Nintendo licensing references, character image, and product description can help distinguish the item from later Clip 'n' Carry releases. A standard Poké Ball accessory with a familiar figure is not automatically part of the 20th anniversary assortment.
Collectors should also remember that condition affects value differently from completeness. An unopened example preserves the original presentation, while an opened one allows the character to be displayed and verified. A complete loose set with all three Pokémon, clean paint, and an intact clip can still be an excellent representation of the collection.
Practical Ways To Build The Set
A focused approach makes this small assortment easier to collect than the full annual range. Start with the three character identities, then document packaging differences, retailer markings, and condition as examples are found.
Useful collecting priorities include:
- Look for Pikachu, Charizard, and Mew rather than relying only on generic “Poké Ball” search terms.
- Keep the original card, insert, or box whenever possible, especially when the figure has been removed.
- Compare the 2016 anniversary branding with later TOMY Clip 'n' Carry releases.
- Record retailer and region details for unusual packaging or distribution variations.
- Inspect the belt clip and hinge before buying a loose example, since replacement parts can reduce completeness.
The collection’s privacy policy is also relevant when browsing an informational fan resource that documents products and release details. It helps clarify how site visitors’ information is handled while they research the toys.
The 20th Anniversary Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball remains a compact snapshot of TOMY’s 2016 celebration. Pikachu, Charizard, and Mew each gave the same portable toy a different identity, combining recognizable Pokémon characters with a format built for play, display, and discovery. For collectors, finding all three turns a simple Poké Ball accessory into a concise record of the anniversary collection. Share your completed trio with fellow Pokémon collectors and keep the original packaging details connected to each figure.