Forget capturing Mewtwo, it’s time to snatch some beetles!
Last year we saw the release of a realistic Poké Ball replica that anyone could buy, but it had two problems: one, it was kind of expensive. Two, and far more importantly, you couldn’t actually capture any Pokémon with it.
But now the Japanese toy company TAKARATOMY is set to release a Master Ball replica that will help both of those issues.
Not only is it quite affordable, but it’s designed to actually capture bugs!
Priced at 1,650 yen (US$15), the Master Ball bug cage is a fun, inexpensive way to feel like a real Pokémon trainer, whether capturing cicadas or other Pokémon equivalents in our world.
Bug-catching and bug-pets are kind of a big deal in Japan, and were even part of what inspired Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, to come up with the video game series in the first place, from his childhood of catching bugs outside and wanting to share that experience.
And now that summer is coming, it’s prime insect-hunting season. Whether you catch the bug in a net first then put it in the ball, set the ball as a trap on the ground, or throw the whole thing straight at the buzzing beast with all your pent-up Poké-energy, the choice is yours.
▼ The ball pops open by pressing the button on the front…
▼ …and it has a clear window on top for bug viewing.
It even comes with a strap for easy carrying.
▼ There’s also the regular Poké Ball design, but it’s gonna be harder to capture any higher-leveled monsters with that one.
The Master Ball bug cage is currently available for pre-order at the Japanese website Iron Factory, scheduled to be shipped out on June 4. The regular Poké Ball design is also available there for immediate purchase.
Personally, I think catching bugs in a Master Ball is the perfect way to pass the time as we wait to pre-order some commemorative old-school Pokémon stamps.
Source: IRON FACTORY (1, 2) via Hachima Kiko
Images: IRON FACTORY
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Poké Ball breath mint holder series will keep you from being a smelly Pokémon otaku
Pokémon Master Ball engagement ring case is sure to help you catch your beloved’s heart
Pokémon Poké Ball rice balls now on sale in Japan, don’t taste like jelly donuts【Taste test】
Can you catch Pokémon GO Pokémon in the Sahara Desert? We head to North Africa and find out
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Coco’s Japan is very confident in their chilled ramen, but should they be? [Taste test]
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport airlines announce stricter luggage check-in deadline for domestic flights
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Pokémon comes to McDonald’s Japan for new Happy Meals toys, brings every generation’s starters
7-Eleven Japan rethinks convenience store sandwiches with a wild new choc-mint variety
Studio Ghibli’s No Face twirls to sound of Spirited Away’s theme song in beautiful accessory box
Is covering your entire upper body with cooling strips enough to fend off Japan’s summer heat?
Sanrio characters join forces with your favorite Japanese snack mascots as prizes at Family Mart
Sweet dreams are made of cheese at this all-you-can-eat cheese and doria restaurant
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever gacha capsule toys, featuring iconic menu items as plush coffee charms
7-Eleven Japan adds new chocolate fruit gummies to its sweets range, but are they worth the hype?
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
7-Eleven Japan now offering baked-in-store pizza by the slice with two very different topping sets
Starbucks Japan opens new store inside historic seaside quarantine station near Tokyo
Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】