Bye Bye Psyduck

Hasbro has announced the “graduation” of several Pokemon. As part of a commencement address, Hasbro announced its Pokemon toy graduation program that calls for ending production of its original series of two inch collectible figures and bean-filled plush toys that are based on the 151 original Pokemon characters. The “graduating” toys will no longer be made for shipment to stores in the U.S. market. Hasbro’s Pokemon toy team honored the first toy graduating class of 25 toys, announced that the next class of toys will graduate on July 31, and revealed that additional graduating classes will follow in the coming months. Today’s 25 graduating Pokemon toys, including those based on #54 Psyduck, #40 Wigglytuff and #74 Geodude, were called forward to receive diplomas from “Chancellor” Perry Drosos (a.k.a. vice president of marketing for Pokemon toys at Hasbro), each assisted by an aspiring young Pokemon master trainer dressed in cap and gown. Each graduating Pokemon toy then took its place alongside other graduates for an official class photo. Chancellor Drosos also presented an honorary “Doctor of Pokemon” degree to one of the best known characters, #25 Pikachu. This original series character will remain on campus and in the toy line to help graduate other classes of Hasbro toys as well as welcome incoming classes of Pokemon toys in the future.

Source: Raving Toy Maniac