The Complete Guide to Kirby Funko Pop: Collectibles, Memes, and Nintendo Nostalgia
1. Introduction
In the ever-expanding world of Funko Pop! vinyl figures, few franchises generate as much excitement as Nintendo’s characters. From Mario to Zelda, fans eagerly wait for their favorite gaming icons to be immortalized in the signature big-headed Funko style.
One of the most frequently requested—and meme-worthy—characters is none other than Kirby, the adorable pink puffball from Nintendo’s iconic franchise. With searches like “Kirby Funko Pop,” “official Kirby Funko Pop,” and even “Kirby Funko Pop meme” trending online, it’s clear that fans are eager for a collectible version of this beloved hero.
But does a Kirby Funko Pop exist? What’s the history behind the rumors, and why does the idea resonate so much with fans of Nintendo and Funko alike? This blog dives deep into the phenomenon, covering everything from Funko’s history with Nintendo to fan-made Kirby Pops, memes, and future predictions.
2. Who is Kirby?
Before diving into collectibles, it’s worth revisiting Kirby himself:
- Debut: Kirby first appeared in Kirby’s Dream Land (1992) for the Nintendo Game Boy.
- Creator: Masahiro Sakurai, who later worked on Super Smash Bros.
- Abilities: Kirby can inhale enemies and copy their powers, making him one of Nintendo’s most versatile characters.
- Popularity: From the Nintendo Switch title Kirby and the Forgotten Land (2022) to his ongoing role in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Kirby remains a staple of Nintendo culture.
This enduring popularity makes him an obvious candidate for Funko’s line of collectibles.
3. What is a Funko Pop?
Funko Pop! vinyl figures are small, stylized collectibles that feature:
- Large, rounded heads.
- Minimalist facial features (big black eyes).
- Compact bodies in a 3.75-inch standard size, though larger “Super-Sized Pops” also exist.
Funko has partnered with brands across movies (Star Wars, Jurassic Park), TV shows, anime, music, and games. Collectors love them because they are:
- Affordable compared to high-end statues.
- Widely accessible through retailers like Hot Topic, GameStop, and Amazon.
- Highly collectible, with limited-edition exclusives driving hype.
4. Is There an Official Kirby Funko Pop?
The short answer: Not yet.
Despite heavy demand, Funko has not released an official Kirby Funko Pop as of 2025. This surprises many fans since Funko already collaborates with Nintendo through licensing deals (like Pokémon Pops).
4.1 Why No Kirby Pop Yet?
- Licensing issues: Nintendo is notoriously protective of its IPs.
- Existing lines: Funko has focused on Pokémon rather than branching into Kirby.
- Market timing: Funko may be waiting for a major Kirby game or anniversary to launch it.
4.2 Fan Response
Fans have created 3D-printed Kirby Funko Pops and custom figures to fill the gap. These often go viral on Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram, fueling the meme culture around “why doesn’t Kirby have a Pop yet?”
5. The Kirby Funko Pop Meme
The phrase “Kirby Funko Pop meme” refers to online jokes highlighting Kirby’s absence from the Funko lineup. Memes often portray:
- Mock-up renders of a Kirby Pop with exaggerated features.
- Jokes comparing Kirby’s round design to Funko’s standard square-head style.
- Fan frustration mixed with humor: “We have 200 Star Wars Pops, but no Kirby?!”
This meme-driven hype keeps demand alive and pressures Funko to eventually produce an official release.
6. Related Funko Pop Nintendo Lines
Even if Kirby doesn’t have his own Pop yet, Nintendo fans can enjoy:
- Pokémon Pops: Pikachu, Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and many more.
- Super Mario Rumors: While unconfirmed, fans speculate Funko may one day tackle Mario and Luigi.
- Crossover Culture: Collectors pair Funko Pops with Nintendo Switch consoles for display setups.
If Funko eventually launches a Kirby Funko Pop, it would likely align with these existing Nintendo collaborations.
7. Where Fans Search for Kirby Funko Pops
Even without an official release, fans constantly search “Kirby Funko Pop for sale” or “Funko Pop Kirby near me.” Common sources include:
- Etsy & eBay: Custom-made Kirby Pops, often 3D printed.
- Reddit Collectors’ Threads: Fan discussions and showcases.
- Funko Community Forums: Where collectors lobby for official production.
8. Hot Topic, Exclusives & Collectible Culture
Many Funko collectors hope that if Kirby is released, it will debut as a Hot Topic exclusive or a GameStop special edition, similar to other Funko gaming figures.
Exclusives are highly valued because:
- They’re tied to limited releases.
- Retailer-specific Pops often become rare and expensive over time.
- They increase hype within Funko’s already passionate collector community.
9. Predictions for a Kirby Funko Pop
9.1 Likely Variants
- Classic Kirby – floating pose, simple pink design.
- Kirby with Sword Ability – referencing his iconic copy power.
- Sleepy Kirby – a fan-favorite meme pose.
- Exclusive Metallic Variant – shiny finish, possibly a retailer exclusive.
9.2 Release Timing
- Could coincide with Kirby’s 35th anniversary celebrations (2027).
- Might launch during the release of a major Nintendo Switch Kirby game.
10. Funko Pop Customization & 3D Printing
Since there’s no official Kirby Pop, many fans take matters into their own hands:
- 3D Print Models: Shared on sites like Thingiverse.
- Hand-Painted Customs: Artists craft Pops with clay and paint.
- Limited Sales: Some sell these customs on Etsy under “Kirby Funko” listings.
These custom Pops demonstrate how strong demand is—collectors are literally building the missing piece of their Funko shelf.
11. How Kirby Compares to Other Gaming Pops
Franchise | Official Pops Released? | Fan Demand |
---|---|---|
Pokémon | Yes (many waves) | High |
Zelda | No | High |
Mario | No | Very High |
Kirby | No | Extremely High |
This chart shows that while Pokémon dominates Funko’s Nintendo portfolio, Kirby remains a huge untapped opportunity.
12. Why Fans Want a Kirby Funko Pop
- Nostalgia: Many grew up with Kirby games on Game Boy, DS, and now Switch.
- Cute Design: Kirby’s round shape would translate well into Funko’s style.
- Cross-Fandom Collecting: Kirby fans overlap with Pokémon, Mario, and anime collectors.
- Memes = Demand: The online joke has become a movement.
13. The Future of Kirby Funko Pop
While there’s no official confirmation yet, the combination of fan pressure, meme culture, and Nintendo’s expanding licensing strategy makes it highly likely we’ll see Kirby join the Funko family soon.
When it does, expect:
- Multiple variants (standard + exclusives).
- Retailer launches at Hot Topic, GameStop, and Amazon.
- High resale values on eBay due to demand.
14. FAQs
Q1: Is there an official Kirby Funko Pop?
Not yet, though fans are eagerly waiting.
Q2: Where can I buy a Kirby Funko Pop?
Currently only custom versions on Etsy, eBay, or through fan artists.
Q3: What is the Kirby Funko Pop meme?
A viral joke highlighting Kirby’s absence from Funko’s lineup.
Q4: Will Funko ever release Kirby?
Very likely, given Nintendo’s collaboration with Funko on Pokémon.
Q5: How much would a Kirby Funko Pop cost?
If released, likely around $11–15 USD retail, with exclusives costing more.
15. Conclusion
The Kirby Funko Pop phenomenon is a fascinating mix of fandom, meme culture, and collector hype. While Funko hasn’t released an official Kirby figure yet, the demand is undeniable. Fans have filled the gap with custom models, memes, and endless speculation—keeping the dream alive.
If and when Funko finally produces an official Kirby Pop, it’s destined to become one of the most sought-after Nintendo collectibles, joining the ranks of Pokémon and beyond. Until then, collectors will keep hunting for customs, sharing memes, and waiting for that day when the pink puffball gets his rightful place on the Funko shelf.
References (10 Domains)
- funko.com – Official Funko Website
- nintendo.com – Nintendo Official Site
- ign.com – Gaming & Collectibles News
- polygon.com – Pop Culture & Gaming
- kotaku.com – Gaming Trends
- gamespot.com – Nintendo & Funko Coverage
- reddit.com – r/funkopop Collector Community
- etsy.com – Custom Funko Pop Listings
- ebay.com – Collectibles Marketplace
- knowYourMeme.com – Meme Explanations