The Mythical Pokémon Timeline Behind TOMY’s 2016 Collection
TOMY’s Pokémon 20th Anniversary Collection turned two decades of game history into a series of collectible toys. Released throughout 2016, the range focused on characters that had traditionally felt rare and special: Mythical Pokémon, limited-edition plush figures, Clip 'n' Carry Poké Balls, and anniversary-themed Pikachu products.
The 12 Mythical Pokémon in game-release order form a remarkably clear timeline. They begin with Mew, the mysterious secret at the heart of the original games, and continue through Genesect, whose story belongs to the Unova era. Looking at them chronologically explains why each character carries a different kind of nostalgia for collectors.
For background on the full assortment, release themes, and licensed products, the TOMY collection archive provides a useful guide to the anniversary program. It places the plush series within the broader 2016 celebration rather than treating each figure as an isolated toy.
Mew Opened The Mythical Era
Mew was first associated with Pokémon Red and Green in Japan, released in 1996, and later became part of the worldwide Pokémon phenomenon through Pokémon Red and Blue. It was absent from normal gameplay, hidden behind event distribution and rumors, which made the Psychic-type Pokémon feel almost unattainable. That sense of secrecy established the Mythical Pokémon concept.
As the first entry in the chronological sequence, Mew also became an ideal anniversary mascot. Its small pink design translates naturally into a plush figure, while its status as the original rare Pokémon gives the toy significance beyond its size. For longtime fans, a Mew collectible represents the beginning of the entire discovery-driven culture surrounding Pokémon.
Celebi And The Hoenn Pair
Celebi followed in Pokémon Gold and Silver, first appearing in Japan in 1999 and reaching international players with the second-generation games around 2000. Known as the guardian of the forest, Celebi added time travel and a more story-focused identity to the Mythical category. Its green body, leaf-like wings, and gentle expression also made it visually distinct from Mew.
The third generation introduced Jirachi and Deoxys. Jirachi debuted alongside Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire in 2002, bringing a wish-granting star theme, while Deoxys expanded the science-fiction side of the series with its extraterrestrial origin and multiple formes. Their contrast is part of their appeal: Jirachi is dreamy and celestial, whereas Deoxys is angular, unusual, and connected to mutation and space.
Sinnoh Created A Dense Mythical Chapter
The fourth generation produced four Mythical Pokémon, making Sinnoh the most concentrated section of this release history. Manaphy arrived through Pokémon Ranger and later connected with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Its oceanic design and relationship to the legendary Phione gave it a distinctive place among water-themed Pokémon.
Darkrai came next, presenting a darker interpretation of Mythical status through nightmares and the unsettling Newmoon Island story. Shaymin followed with its gratitude-centered narrative and Land and Sky Formes, then Arceus completed the group as the creator figure associated with the Pokémon universe’s origin myths.
| Game era | Mythical Pokémon | First game association | Signature theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation I | Mew | Pokémon Red and Green | Mystery and hidden discovery |
| Generation II | Celebi | Pokémon Gold and Silver | Forests and time travel |
| Generation III | Jirachi | Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire | Wishes and sleeping legends |
| Generation III | Deoxys | Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire era | Alien life and transformation |
| Generation IV | Manaphy | Pokémon Ranger / Diamond and Pearl era | Oceans and bonds |
| Generation IV | Darkrai | Pokémon Diamond and Pearl | Dreams and nightmares |
| Generation IV | Shaymin | Pokémon Diamond and Pearl | Gratitude and nature |
| Generation IV | Arceus | Pokémon Diamond and Pearl era | Creation and mythology |
| Generation V | Victini | Pokémon Black and White | Victory and good fortune |
| Generation V | Keldeo | Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 era | Training and justice |
| Generation V | Meloetta | Pokémon Black and White era | Music and performance |
| Generation V | Genesect | Pokémon Black and White era | Technology and adaptation |
Arceus Closed The Sinnoh Sequence
Arceus deserves special attention because it changed the scale of the Mythical Pokémon idea. Earlier characters were elusive creatures with unusual powers, but Arceus was presented as a creator associated with the formation of the Pokémon world. Its type-changing Plates and central role in Sinnoh mythology made it feel closer to a cosmic deity than a hidden bonus character.
That grand identity creates an interesting contrast with TOMY’s plush format. A soft Arceus figure turns an enormous piece of Pokémon lore into something approachable and displayable. The result works for collectors who value story importance as much as gameplay rarity, especially when the figure is placed beside smaller, more expressive characters such as Mew or Jirachi.
Unova Brought Four New Mythicals
Victini began the Unova sequence with Pokémon Black and White. The Victory Pokémon was designed as a symbol of success, with a cheerful silhouette and an unmistakable V-shaped ear design. Its placement near the start of the fifth-generation story made it a natural character for an anniversary line centered on celebration.
Keldeo, Meloetta, and Genesect broadened the range of themes. Keldeo represented growth, discipline, and heroic training; Meloetta linked Mythical Pokémon with music, performance, and form changes; and Genesect introduced a revived ancient creature modified by technology. Together, they show how the series moved from hidden secrets and legends toward more varied narrative concepts.
Why The Order Matters To Collectors
Arranging the figures by game debut reveals how Pokémon’s design language evolved. Mew and Celebi rely on mystery, Jirachi and Deoxys explore cosmic ideas, and Sinnoh’s quartet leans into mythology and origin stories. Unova then adds optimism, character development, music, and science fiction. The sequence is therefore more than a list of rare Pokémon; it is a compact history of the franchise’s storytelling.
It also explains why a 2016 anniversary display could feel unified while still offering considerable variety. Each plush represented a different generation and concept, yet all shared the special distribution history of Mythical Pokémon. Some fans may prefer a complete chronological shelf, while others may group figures by color, type, generation, or personal memories of the games.
A Collecting Guide For The Anniversary Range
TOMY’s 20th Anniversary Collection included more than plush. Clip 'n' Carry Poké Balls gave the assortment a play-oriented element, while Pikachu merchandise provided a familiar centerpiece for fans who did not collect every Mythical character. The official Nintendo licensing helped distinguish the range from unofficial character merchandise and reinforced its commemorative purpose.
Availability could also vary by retailer, making the hunt part of the collecting experience. For a clearer picture of store-specific releases and regional exclusives, this guide to retailer exclusives helps explain why two collections assembled in different locations might contain different items.
When building a chronological display, collectors can use these practical priorities:
- Begin with Mew and Celebi to establish the original generations.
- Place Jirachi and Deoxys together as the Hoenn-era pair.
- Give the four Sinnoh Mythicals a wider section because they form the largest uninterrupted group.
- Finish with Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, and Genesect to complete the Unova chapter.
- Add Pikachu or a Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball as an anniversary accent rather than part of the 12-character timeline.
The Missing Mythicals Tell Their Own Story
A commemorative collection does not necessarily include every Mythical Pokémon available at the time. Production limits, character selection, retailer plans, and the balance of colors and silhouettes can all influence which figures become part of a plush series. That is why the absence of a familiar character should not be read as a mistake in the game chronology.
The selection history offers additional context about why certain Mythical Pokémon were left out. Comparing the complete game roster with the toys makes the collection more interesting: it shows the difference between Pokémon history as a whole and the carefully curated group chosen for a specific anniversary program.
The 2016 TOMY range remains a compact snapshot of Pokémon’s first 20 years. From Mew’s hidden debut to Genesect’s engineered revival, the twelve Mythical Pokémon trace a progression through mystery, nature, dreams, creation, music, and technology. Explore the archive, arrange the characters by release era, and let the finished display tell the story of Pokémon’s rarest creatures.