Bandai Namco Unveils Pokémon Plamo Model Kit Keychains for Gashapon Machines in 2026

Bandai Namco has announced a new line of collectibles for Pokémon fans, introducing miniature replicas of existing Pokémon Plamo model kit designs as keychains. These will be available through the company’s Gashapon capsule machines in Japan beginning May 2026.

The keychains will feature six designs: Pikachu (#1), Mew (#2), Eevee (#4), Charmander (#11), Bulbasaur (#13), and Squirtle (#17). Notably, the selection does not follow the original release order of the model kits. Instead, it prioritizes Kanto starter Pokémon, such as Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle, ahead of other characters like Scorbunny and Piplup.

Each keychain is designed to resemble a completed Pokémon Plamo figure encased in a blister pack. The back of the packaging includes instructions and references, illustrating how to snap pieces from sprue cards and assemble the model kits. These designs are based on the Quick series sets, which are smaller, more affordable, and feature no articulation or additional parts.

The keychains will be sold in Japan for 400 yen (~$2.50) each via Gashapon machines. While international availability has not been confirmed, Bandai Namco’s existing Pokémon Plamo model kits are sold worldwide. The company has also hinted at potential future availability through retailers like Amazon and SimplyToyz.

This announcement follows Bandai Namco’s previous release of fire-type Pokémon keychains, which included base forms like Fennekin, evolutions such as Charizard, and the Mythic Pokémon Victini.

Key Details:

• Release Date: May 2026 (Japan)
• Price: 400 yen (~$2.50) per keychain
• Availability: Gashapon machines in Japan; potential future global release
• Designs: Pikachu, Mew, Eevee, Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle
• Series: Based on Pokémon Plamo Quick sets

For reference, here are the official images of the keychains:

Image via Bandai Namco, Game Freak, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company International