Japan still hasn't created real live Pokémon (though we figure it's just a matter of time), but you are one step closer to having your own pet Pikachu thanks to HelloPika.
The tiny critter can sit on a table or fit in your pocket and responds to voice commands. He turns his head at the sound of his name, responds to basic "yes" and "no" questions, ands lights up. He even appears to take naps... which is more than can be said for your 20-year-old haunted Furby.
HelloPika goes on sale August 4 in Japan, with a suggested retail price of 2,990 yen. There's no word yet on whether it will be coming west.
>> HelloPika Product Page on Takara Tomy
Source: Anime! Anime!
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Kara Dennison is responsible for multiple webcomics, and is half the creative team behind the OEL light novel series Owl's Flower. She blogs at karadennison.com and tweets @RubyCosmos. Her work can currently be read in Stranger Tales of the City from Obverse Books.
