On May 21, KFC China introduced three new Pokemon toys — one Psyduck and two Pikachus — to its kids’ meals to celebrate Children’s Day on June 1. Unexpectedly, the Psyduck toy has stolen the show from the Pikachus and become a viral sensation on the Chinese internet for its ridiculous dance moves.
The hashtag for the Pokemon toys has been trending on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo for the past few days and has clocked up 25 million views so far.
“This looks so cute. I got the whole package right away,” posted a netizen when the toys were released.
“I was finally able to order KFC this morning, but the Psyduck toy was sold out,” lamented another less lucky fan.
Psyduck goes viral this weekend in #China . #KFC launched a new kid’s meal combo with #Pokemon #dolls . #Adorkable #Psyduck , instead of #Pikachu , becomes the popular one. Hard to get it. Sold out soon.#goodnight #コダック #Kodakku #ピカチュウ #Marketing #MarketingStrategy pic.twitter.com/wJ9qvFHai9
— Lens Lee (@ICBeijing) May 22, 2022
In what is perhaps a nod to the arrival of spring and warmer days, KFC’s Pokemon toys look like they’re gearing up for the great outdoors. Wielding a camera, Psyduck is prepared for sightseeing, while the two Pikachus are dressed in cute overalls and a charming sundress.
The viral KFC Pokemon toys
An adorable example of form meets function, the Pikachu toy shown above can be used as a water bottle
For RADII readers based in China: Each Children’s Day package comes with a randomly selected Pokemon, but if you’re dead set on collecting all three in a hurry, splurge on the Big Bucket meal that comes with all three toys and a bright yellow case; the latter features some of the Pokemon franchise’s most popular characters like Jigglypuff, Psyduck, and Pikachu.
A favorite of Chinese youth for its nostalgic association with childhood memories, KFC was recognized as the most popular fast-food chain in China by Business Insider in 2019.
All images via Weibo
