Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Pokémon GO’s World Space Week 2026 event runs October 4–10 in each player’s local time. Astronaut Pikachu debuts in one-star raids and as a possible encounter from free Timed Research; the official announcement says it may be Shiny, but gives no odds. Complete the research and claim its rewards by October 12 at 11:59 p.m. local time.
When is the Pokémon GO World Space Week 2026 event?
The event begins Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. and ends Saturday, October 10, at 11:59 p.m., according to local time. Pokémon GO notes that upcoming event details are subject to change. Check the official event announcement for updates.
How to encounter Astronaut Pikachu
Astronaut Pikachu is the event’s costumed Pokémon debut. The announcement lists it in one-star raids and as a possible encounter through Timed Research. It says a Shiny may be available if you are lucky, but does not provide encounter probabilities for either route.
| Route | What the announcement confirms | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| One-star raids | Astronaut Pikachu appears in one-star raids. | During the event, October 4–10, local time. |
| Timed Research | Astronaut Pikachu is among the promised encounters; the notice does not publish the individual tasks. | Research is available during the event; finish tasks and claim rewards by October 12 at 11:59 p.m. local time. |
The announcement does not establish that one route has better odds. Choose raids if you want to pursue the raid encounter; use the research route by completing its tasks and claiming its rewards before the deadline.
#1 Best Overall
- POKÉMON PLUSH: Choose to cuddle Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly 8-inch Pokémon plush is made with super soft material
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Pikachu looks like it jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 8-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Timed Research: deadline and what is known
The Timed Research is free. Pokémon GO says it offers an Astronaut Pikachu encounter “and more,” but the announcement does not enumerate the steps or the additional rewards. Timed Research expires, so completing tasks is not enough: claim the rewards by Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time.
- Open the in-game research view during the event to see the tasks available to your account.
- Allow time to finish the tasks and claim rewards before the stated cutoff.
- Check the game or a later official update for details not included in the announcement.
What the event announcement does not confirm
The official notice does not specify event bonuses, wild encounters, individual research steps, or a complete reward list. It also gives no Shiny rate or comparative odds for raids and research. Treat those details as unconfirmed unless Pokémon GO publishes an update; do not infer them from other World Space Week activities.
Rank #2
- POKÉMON PLUSH: Choose to cuddle Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon.
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly 12-inch Pokémon plush is made with super soft material.
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Pikachu looks like it jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series.
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 12-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team.
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares.
How the event fits the ESA–Pokémon collaboration
The in-game event is one part of a broader ESA and The Pokémon Company International collaboration for World Space Week, October 4–10, 2026. Their announcement describes an exhibition about space and Pokémon at ESA sites and major museums across Europe, exclusive merchandise, and the Pokémon GO event. It does not establish that every exhibition or merchandise item is available at every location. See ESA’s September 19, 2026 announcement for the collaboration details.
ESA also reports that a Pikachu plush traveled aboard the International Space Station during ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s mission. ESA says it was in orbit from April 11 to June 17, 2026—67 days and approximately 1,040 orbits. That flight experience does not establish that the plush is for sale or that a matching Astronaut Pikachu collectible is available.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Rank #4
- CAPTAIN PIKACHU: Get ready to set sail with Captain Pikachu
- SPECIAL HAT: 8-inch Pokémon plush is super soft and wears a special captain’s hat
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Plush looks like it jumped right out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 8-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Rank #3
- ICONIC POKÉMON: Get cozy with Pokémon and the new Velvet Pikachu Plush
- UNIQUE DESIGN: Unique 8-inch plush is woven with high quality velvet
- SELECT SERIES: Velvet Plush is a part of the Select Pokémon plush series
- LIMITED RELEASE: This limited line is only available for a short time in 2023
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
