Pokémon & Sanrio Squishmallows NZ 2025: Every Character, Every Wave

If you've been following the Squishmallows world at all, you already know that the licensed collaboration collections are in a league of their own.

Pokémon Squishmallows. Sanrio Squishmallows. Two of the most beloved franchises on the planet — transformed into the softest, squishiest plush toys you've ever held. For collectors and fans in New Zealand, these collaborations represent the most exciting and fast-selling releases in the entire Squishmallows lineup.

This blog is your complete, up-to-date guide to every Pokémon and Sanrio Squishmallow available or announced — what's been released, what each character looks like in squish form, and how to get them in New Zealand before they sell out.

PART ONE: Pokémon Squishmallows NZ

The Collaboration That Changed Everything

The Pokémon x Squishmallows collaboration was first announced on July 20, 2022, when Squishmallows posted a teaser on social media ahead of San Diego Comic-Con — featuring the unmistakable silhouette of a Pikachu Squishmallow. The internet immediately lost its mind, and for good reason. Two of the world's most universally loved brands combining into one product was always going to be enormous.

The first wave launched exclusively through the Pokémon Center website on November 22, 2022 — featuring Pikachu and Gengar in 12-inch size, with in-store releases at select retailers following in late January and early February 2023. What began as two characters has since grown into one of the most expansive and sought-after Squishmallows collections ever produced — now spanning eight waves and growing.

Every Pokémon Squishmallow Wave — Complete Guide

⚡ Wave 1 — The Originals (2022)

The wave that started it all. Two iconic Pokémon, two iconic Squishmallows.

Both Pikachu and Gengar feature a special Poké Ball stamp stitched onto their backsides — an exclusive detail unique to the Pokémon collaboration range. Wave 1 characters are increasingly difficult to find and are becoming genuine collector's items.

💤 Wave 2 — The Sleepy Giants (2023)

Snorlax and Togepi joined the Pokémon Squishmallow family in Wave 2 — two instantly recognisable Pokémon that translate perfectly into squishy plush form.

Character | Type | Sizes Available | |---|---|---| | Snorlax | Normal | 10", 12", 20" | | Togepi | Fairy | 10", 12", 20" |

Snorlax — a Pokémon literally known for sleeping and being enormous — makes an almost suspiciously perfect Squishmallow. Wave 2 remains one of the most popular in the entire collaboration range.

🐧 Wave 3 — Winking Pikachu & Piplup (2023)

Wave 3 introduced a fan-requested Gen IV starter alongside an alternate Pikachu variant.

Piplup quickly became a fan favourite in the collaboration range — the Gen IV water-type starter's round shape and penguin-like design was practically made for the Squishmallow treatment.

🌸 Wave 4 — Clefairy & Teddiursa (2023–2024)

Two of the cutest Pokémon in the entire Pokédex arrived in Wave 4 — both perfectly suited to the soft, pastel Squishmallows aesthetic.

Teddiursa — a small bear Pokémon known for its sweet demeanour — was practically a stuffed animal already before getting the Squishmallow upgrade, making it one of the most natural fits in the entire collaboration.

🌊 Wave 5 — Marill & Dragonite (2024)

Wave 5 was leaked on January 28, 2024, introducing Marill and Dragonite — with the Dragonite Squishmallow available in both a standard wide-release version and a Pokémon Center exclusive variant.

Dragonite's warm orange tones and round dragon body look spectacular in Squishmallow form — already a highlight of the entire collaboration run.

⚡ Wave 6 — Bellibolt & Fuecoco (2024)

Wave 6 was teased on June 5, 2024, featuring the electric frog Bellibolt and the fiery Gen IX starter Fuecoco.

Fuecoco's chunky red body and tiny arms make it a dream Squishmallow — one of the most visually charming entries in the entire range.

🍃 Wave 7 — Eevee & Chansey (2024–2025)

Wave 7 was teased on October 31st, 2024 through the SquadApp, introducing two deeply beloved Pokémon — Eevee and Chansey.

Eevee is one of the most requested Pokémon Squishmallows since the collaboration began — its soft brown fur and fox-like features look incredible in the Squishmallow style.

🔥 Wave 8 — Cheery Pikachu & Torchic (2025)

The newest wave in the Pokémon Squishmallows collaboration — and it's already generating enormous hype.

Wave 8 was announced in June 2025, featuring a brand-new Cheery Pikachu in a fresh joyful pose alongside Torchic — marking the third starter Pokémon to join the collaboration after Piplup and Fuecoco.

The full confirmed Pokémon Squishmallows roster now includes Pikachu, Gengar, Togepi, Snorlax, Piplup, Winking Pikachu, Eevee, Chansey, Bellibolt, Fuecoco, Marill, Dragonite, Clefairy, Teddiursa, Charmander, Slowpoke, Growlithe, Grookey, Sprigatito, and Rowlet — with Cheery Pikachu and Torchic as the latest additions.

Tips for Getting Pokémon Squishmallows in NZ

• Act fast on new waves — each wave sells out quickly, with earlier waves becoming increasingly hard to find at retail price
• Earlier waves = more collectible — Wave 1 Pikachu and Gengar in particular are rising in collector value
• Check for size variants — some Pokémon are available in exclusive sizes through specific channels
• Subscribe to squishmallows.co.nz — be notified the moment new Pokémon waves land in New Zealand

PART TWO: Sanrio Squishmallows NZ

The Kawaii Collaboration That Keeps on Giving

The Sanrio x Squishmallows partnership is one of the longest-running and most productive collaborations in Squishmallows history — beginning in 2021 and releasing new waves practically every season since.

Sanrio has created over 450 characters spanning five decades — from the globally iconic Hello Kitty to newer fan favourites like Cinnamoroll, who has consecutively won the official Sanrio character ranking multiple times since 2017. The most beloved of these characters have all received the Squishmallows treatment — and the results are some of the most adorable plush toys ever produced.

The Core Sanrio Squishmallows Characters in NZ

🎀 Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty debuted in 1974 and remains one of the most recognisable characters globally — a white cat with her signature red bow on her left ear. As a Squishmallow, Hello Kitty has appeared in dozens of variants — classic, seasonal, themed, anniversary editions, and exclusive designs.

Notable Hello Kitty Squishmallows:

• Classic Hello Kitty (8", 12", 14")
• Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Special Edition (12") — released November 2023
• Sakura-themed Hello Kitty (14")
• Halloween Franken Kitty
• Christmas Hello Kitty
• Valentine's Hello Kitty (2025) — heart-printed outfit with signature bow
• Kaiju costume Hello Kitty

🐶 Cinnamoroll

Cinnamoroll is a small, chubby white dog with blue eyes, pink cheeks, and a curly tail shaped like a cinnamon roll. He has long ears that allow him to fly and a shy but pure-hearted personality — and he has won the official Sanrio character ranking seven times, making him one of the most successful Sanrio characters of all time.

In the 2025 Sanrio character rankings, Pompompurin took first place — marking the first time dog characters swept the top three positions, with Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and Pochacco taking the podium.

As a Squishmallow, Cinnamoroll's white, cloud-like appearance translates perfectly into the marshmallow-soft format — making him one of the most beloved Sanrio Squishmallows in New Zealand.

Notable Cinnamoroll Squishmallows:

• Classic Cinnamoroll (8", 14")
• Easter Cinnamoroll (gingham outfit)
• Halloween Cinnamoroll
• Christmas Cinnamoroll
• Valentine's Cinnamoroll 2025 (pink hat, pastel accessories)
• Cinnamoroll Plush Mascot Clip — Donut variant

🌸 My Melody

My Melody was introduced in 1975 as a kawaii interpretation of Little Red Riding Hood — a kind, honest, sweet girl rabbit who wears a signature pink hood that covers her ears. She celebrated her 50th anniversary in 2025, marked by a Netflix stop-motion anime series titled "My Melody & Kuromi."

As a Squishmallow, My Melody's pink hood and rounded rabbit form make her instantly recognisable and endlessly giftable — one of the most popular Sanrio characters in NZ.

Notable My Melody Squishmallows:

• Classic My Melody (8", 12")
• Easter My Melody (gingham outfit, bunny suit)
• Christmas My Melody
• Valentine's My Melody 2025
• Pool-themed My Melody
• My Melody Plush Mascot Clip — Taco variant

🖤 Kuromi

Kuromi is My Melody's rival — a white rabbit with a black jester's hat featuring a pink skull, and a black devil's tail. Despite her edgy appearance, she's a beloved character with enormous fan following, particularly among teens.

The Kuromi 20th Anniversary 12" Squishmallow was released in 2025 — a special edition marking two decades of one of Sanrio's most iconic characters.

Notable Kuromi Squishmallows:

• Classic Kuromi
• Halloween Kuromi
• Kuromi 20th Anniversary Edition (12") — 2025

🍮 Pompompurin

Pompompurin is a golden retriever character who won the Sanrio character ranking in 2025 — the first time in years, marking the first-ever podium sweep by dog characters. His pudding-like golden appearance makes him a natural Squishmallow — round, golden, and impossibly cute.

Notable Pompompurin Squishmallows:

• Classic Pompompurin (8", 10")
• Easter Pompompurin (bunny suit)

🐸 Keroppi

Keroppi is a green frog character with large eyes and a V-shaped mouth, who resides in Donut Pond and was first introduced in 1988. As a Squishm allow, Keroppi's bright green and white design is cheerful, distinctive, and a perennial fan favourite.

Notable Keroppi Squishmallows:

• Classic Keroppi
• Pool-themed Keroppi
• Keroppi Plush Mascot Clip — Cupcake variant

🐱 Chococat & Badtz-Maru

Two more iconic Sanrio characters with Squishmallow presence in 2025:

The Chococat 12" Halloween 2025 Edition Squishmallow was released in 2025 — a spooky take on the chocolate-nosed black cat character. Badtz-Maru, the spiky-haired penguin with attitude, has also received the Squishmallow treatment — popular with teens and adults who love his rebellious personality.

Sanrio Squishmallows Seasonal Drops — NZ Calendar

One of the most exciting aspects of the Sanrio x Squishmallows collaboration is the consistent seasonal release schedule. Here's what to look out for throughout the year:

Seasonal Sanrio Squishmallows are produced in limited numbers and sell out fast — especially Halloween and Christmas editions. As soon as a new seasonal drop is announced, act quickly.

Pokémon vs Sanrio Squishmallows — Which Should You Buy?

The honest answer? Both. If you're a Pokémon fan, start with Wave 8 Cheery Pikachu or Torchic and work backwards through earlier waves. If you're a Sanrio fan, start with classic Hello Kitty or Cinnamoroll and build your seasonal collection from there.

Frequently Asked Questions — Licensed Squishmallows NZ

Are Pokémon Squishmallows available in New Zealand? Yes — the Pokémon Squishmallows collaboration range, including the latest Wave 8, is available at squishmallows.co.nz with fast NZ-wide delivery.

Which Pokémon Squishmallow is the most popular in NZ? Pikachu and Eevee are consistently the most sought-after Pokémon Squishmallows in New Zealand — though Gengar, Snorlax, and the latest Wave 8 characters are also enormously popular.

Are Sanrio Squishmallows available in New Zealand? Yes — the full Sanrio Squishmallows range including Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, and Keroppi is available at squishmallows.co.nz.

Which Sanrio Squishmallow is the most popular in NZ? Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll are the top-selling Sanrio Squishmallows in New Zealand, followed closely by My Melody and Kuromi.

Do Pokémon and Sanrio Squishmallows sell out quickly? Yes — both collaboration ranges sell out significantly faster than standard Squishmallows. New wave and seasonal drops in particular can sell out within days. Subscribing to squishmallows.co.nz notifications is the best way to avoid missing out.

Are licensed Squishmallows more collectible than standard ones? Generally yes — the combination of limited production, fandom crossover, and wave-based release structure makes Pokémon and Sanrio Squishmallows among the most collectible in the entire range.

What sizes do licensed Squishmallows come in? Most Pokémon and Sanrio Squishmallows are available in 8", 10", 12", 14", and 20" depending on the character and wave. Some special editions are available in a single exclusive size only.

Catch Your Favourites Before They Sell Out

Whether you're completing your Pokémon wave collection, hunting down a seasonal Hello Kitty, or gifting a Cinnamoroll to someone who deserves something wonderfully soft — the licensed Squishmallows range is where the magic really happens.

New waves drop regularly, seasonal characters retire permanently, and early waves are already climbing in collector value. The time to act is always now.

Shop the full Pokémon and Sanrio Squishmallows range in New Zealand at squishmallows.co.nz — official, authentic, and delivered fast across NZ