PUMA, Pokémon unveil All-Pro Nitro 2 Pikachu, $140 April 1 release

PUMA and The Pokémon Company are bringing the All-Pro Nitro 2 “Pikachu” to market April 1 via PUMA and select retailers, with an Instagram first-look post listing a $140 price. First images, shared by Sole Retriever and circulated on Instagram, show a sneaker that reads loud and proud as Pikachu without losing the silhouette of PUMA’s performance hoop shoe.

The visual is unapologetically electric: a vibrant yellow upper dominates, offset by sharp black markings that nod to Pikachu’s fur and tail. Two red patches sit on either side of the laces to mimic Pikachu’s cheeks, while red suede wraps the eyestays and a deeper maroon grounds the heel. Metallic hits across PUMA’s formstrip add a small premium gleam, and Pikachu graphics appear under the tongue, on the side, and stamped on the heel and insoles. RetroDodo’s close-ups even show the thematic pattern running onto the sole, describing the grips as resembling a charged energy blast.

PUMA’s All-Pro Nitro 2 platform keeps the sneaker squarely in performance territory. Hypebeast notes the model is one of PUMA’s elite non-signature basketball options and that this Pikachu treatment keeps the technical kit intact: the sneaker uses a high-performance NITRO SQD foam midsole designed to balance impact cushioning with quick responsiveness, and the outsole features a dynamic mix of traction patterns built to support sharp cuts and multi-directional movement. In short, it’s engineered for the hardwood while wearing a costume.

This release is framed as part of Pokémon’s 30th anniversary campaign, and the PUMA collection leans into multiple fan favorites beyond Pikachu. Nerdist reports PUMA drew inspiration from Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Gengar for the broader drop, and TheGamer’s coverage ties the shoes into wider anniversary merch including an SS Anne diorama and Red & Blue–style Pikachu plush. RetroDodo points out PUMA previously issued a Mewtwo suede trainer last year, so the brand is already familiar with Pokémon tie-ins.

PUMA teases a layer of Easter eggs for collectors: “Through the footwear range, Pokémon fans will find hidden details on the tongue label, insole, and heel.” Between the bright palette, on-foot performance specs, and shoebox artwork that reportedly features Pikachu running alongside a Pikachu-branded box, this pair is pitched to both court players and nostalgic collectors. When it lands April 1 for $140 at PUMA and select retailers, expect it to sit at the crossroads of hardwood-ready engineering and full-on 30th anniversary fandom.