U.S. Release Dates for Final Fantasy Chocobo Plushies Confirmed
In 2019, Square Enix scheduled five new Chocobo plushies for U.S. release, including an Autograph version and four based on jobs from Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon.
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In mid-2019, Square Enix announced a new wave of merchandise centered on the Final Fantasy series’ beloved avian mascot, the Chocobo. U.S. release dates for five distinct plush toys were confirmed through pre-order listings on Amazon. This collection was divided into two categories: a unique, all-purpose design and a set themed after the job classes featured in the then-recent game Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon Every Buddy!. The plushies were scheduled for a staggered release between September 2019 and January 2020, offering collectors several new items for their shelves.
A Chocobo for Special Occasions
The first plush scheduled for launch was the Final Fantasy: Chocobo Autograph (Black Version) Plush, with a release date of September 25, 2019. Unlike standard collectible figures, this item was marketed with a specific, interactive purpose. Its fabric was specially selected to be suitable for writing on, allowing it to function as a three-dimensional guest book. The plush was presented as an imaginative alternative for capturing memories at significant life events.
The official product description emphasized its versatility, suggesting it for occasions like weddings, baby showers, graduations, and birthdays. It was also promoted as a potential gift for promotions, farewells, or holiday parties. The core concept involved guests signing their names and messages directly onto the plush, transforming it from a simple character item into a personalized memento. The choice of a black Chocobo provided a high-contrast canvas for signatures, ensuring that the messages would be clearly visible. This unique application made the plush an interesting piece for both dedicated Final Fantasy fans and anyone seeking a novel way to create a lasting keepsake.
Job Class Chocobos from the Mystery Dungeon
The other four plushies in the lineup were directly inspired by Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon Every Buddy!, a spin-off RPG released in March 2019 for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. A key gameplay mechanic in the title allows the player’s Chocobo to switch between various classic Final Fantasy job classes, each granting unique abilities and a distinct visual appearance. The plush collection celebrated this feature by recreating four of these popular designs. These items were planned for release in two separate waves.
The first wave, set for November 27, 2019, included the Freelancer Version and White Mage Version. The Freelancer represents the default, all-around class that the Chocobo begins with in the game. The plush reflects this starting role with a simple but adventurous look, complete with a small, trusty bag for carrying items discovered in dungeons. The White Mage is one of the most recognizable jobs in the Final Fantasy universe, known for its powerful healing and support magic. Its plush counterpart is adorned with the iconic white hooded robe with red trim, a design that has remained a staple for the class for decades.
The second wave was scheduled for January 29, 2020, featuring the Knight Version and Red Mage Version. The Knight class specializes in defense and physical attacks, often serving as a party’s protector. The plush captures this noble role with a formal-looking hat and a flowing cape, giving the Chocobo a stalwart and dignified appearance. The Red Mage is a versatile magic user, famous for its ability to wield both offensive black magic and restorative white magic. The plush for this class also includes a distinctive hat and cape, reflecting the Red Mage’s stylish and often flamboyant aesthetic from the main series games.
According to the original Amazon listings, each of these four job-themed plushies was described as being ready for “any adventure you’re likely to take them on,” a direct nod to the dungeon-crawling gameplay of their source material. The collection provided fans with a tangible way to celebrate their favorite character and job classes from the game.
Frequently asked questions
When were the Chocobo Mystery Dungeon plushies released?
The Freelancer and White Mage versions were released on November 27, 2019. The Knight and Red Mage versions followed on January 29, 2020. These plushies were based on the job classes from the game Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon Every Buddy! and were made available for pre-order on Amazon in mid-2019.
What was the Chocobo Autograph Plush?
The Final Fantasy: Chocobo Autograph (Black Version) Plush was a special item released on September 25, 2019. Made of fabric suitable for writing on, it was marketed as a unique alternative to traditional guest books for events like weddings, graduations, and parties, allowing guests to leave signed messages on the Chocobo itself.
Which job classes were featured in the Chocobo plush line?
The line of plushies tied to Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon Every Buddy! featured four distinct job classes. These included the starting Freelancer class with its bag, the healing White Mage with its hood, the defensive Knight with a hat and cape, and the versatile Red Mage, also sporting a hat and cape.
Where were the Chocobo plushies available for pre-order in the U.S.?
The U.S. release dates and availability for the five Chocobo plushies were confirmed through pre-order listings on Amazon in July 2019. The online retailer listed the Autograph Chocobo and the four Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon job class plushies with staggered release dates from September 2019 to January 2020.