The quirky and beloved Katamari Damacy series just hit a major milestone. March 18, 2025, marked 21 years since the game’s original PlayStation 2 launch, and Bandai Namco is rolling out a wave of new merchandise to celebrate. Fans can expect plushies, capsule toys, and even a fresh restock of past favorites.
A Trio of Plush Keychai ns Set to Arrive Soon
Bandai Namco kicked off the celebrations with the reveal of Nuigurumi Keyholders—adorable plush keychains featuring the Prince and two of his cousins, Miso and Ichigo. These tiny companions, perfect for backpacks or display shelves, will be priced between 1,760 yen ($11.85) and 1,925 yen ($12.95).
For those eager to secure their favorite characters, pre-orders are available at the Natalie Store. Even better, international fans can grab these plushies, thanks to WorldShopping’s global shipping support.
A Giant Katamari Plush Joins the Lineup
Not content with just small collectibles, Bandai Namco is also rolling out a large Katamari plush. Measuring approximately 27 cm (~10.63 inches), this oversized plush is designed to resemble the signature rolling ball from the game. However, this item won’t be available for direct purchase. Instead, it will be released as a crane game prize under Bandai’s Banpresto brand. Players in Japan will need to test their skills to claim one.
New Capsule Toys Featuring Fan-Favorite Characters
Gashapon vending machines are about to get a Katamari makeover. Bandai Namco has announced Narabundesu capsule toy figures featuring five well-known characters: the Prince, Miso, Ichigo, Opeo, and Huey. These small, collectible figures will be available across Japan starting in April 2025.
While there’s no official word yet on international availability, collectors might have a chance to grab them through specialty import retailers.
Merch Restocks and a New Game Announcement
Alongside these new releases, Bandai Namco is also bringing back some past Katamari merchandise. The company is working with Village Vanguard to restock items originally released during the 2025 New Year season. The pre-order window for these items runs from March 19 to March 30, 2025, giving fans another opportunity to snag these previously sold-out goods.
And the surprises don’t stop there. As part of the 21st-anniversary festivities, Bandai Namco recently announced Katamari Rolling Live, a brand-new entry in the series heading to Apple Arcade. While details on gameplay remain limited, it’s clear that the Katamari franchise isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
A Legacy That Keeps on Rolling
Originally launched for the PlayStation 2 on March 18, 2004, Katamari Damacy quickly became a cult classic. Its whimsical gameplay, offbeat humor, and infectious soundtrack won over players around the world. Over the years, Bandai Namco has kept the series alive with re-releases, including Katamari Damacy Reroll and We Love Katamari Reroll, which brought remastered versions to modern consoles like the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Even 21 years later, the Katamari craze shows no signs of stopping. With new plushies, figures, and even a fresh game on the horizon, fans have plenty to look forward to as the series continues rolling forward.
