Solana News Today: Ponke Launches Interactive Plush Toy with NFC NFT Proof for Physical Expansion

Solana-based meme coin Ponke has launched its first physical collectible—a plush toy of its iconic monkey mascot—marking a significant step into tangible merchandise. The plush, priced at $69, features interactive elements including an NFC chip that grants a digital NFT proof of ownership, a removable helmet and blunt, and magnets for hands and feet, enabling creative play and display options [1]. The toy is the first in a series of product releases planned for the year, with two additional items in development through partnerships with “big brand names” [1].

The product was released through 223, a spinout of JCorp, a global licensed accessories company, with whom Ponke partnered in May [1]. The plush toy will be available for purchase starting at 1pm ET on the 223 website, with early access granted to members of the token-gated Club Ponke community, owners of the day-one Telegram sticker pack, and mailing list subscribers [1]. The product has limited availability, though the team did not disclose exact numbers [1].

Ponke representatives highlighted the toy’s interactive potential, noting that it can be connected to surfaces like fridges, cars, or bags, and even posed in unique configurations [1]. Each plush also includes a raffle ticket for Looty.fi, a crypto-based loot box platform, and early access to future collectible drops [1].

The move reflects a broader strategy to expand Ponke’s brand beyond the digital realm and into physical retail. Shortly after the partnership with 223 was announced, Ponke made an appearance at the Las Vegas Licensing Expo, where the mascot received positive reception and secured “future partnerships” [1]. According to Cole Gurman, president of 223, Ponke represents a new wave of “digitally-native meme IPs” capable of transitioning from online culture into mainstream retail [1].

Upcoming product drops include a blind box collaboration with a streetwear brand and a cannabis-related item [1]. Revenue from the merchandising efforts is currently being reinvested into the brand’s physical expansion, rather than being fed back into the meme coin itself [1]. However, the team is exploring ways to reward stakers and plush owners, potentially through its Solana validator [1].

Ponke, currently ranked as the 69th largest meme coin by market capitalization on CoinGecko, has built a strong following through viral content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with over 2 billion views reported [1]. The plush toy release is part of a growing trend among meme coins to leverage cultural appeal and community engagement to build sustainable brand identities [1]. As the project moves forward, the combination of digital and physical collectibles could further solidify its presence in both crypto and pop culture markets [1].

Source: [1] Solana Meme Coin Ponke Releases Plush Toy as First in Line of Collectibles (https://decrypt.co/333564/solana-meme-coin-ponke-plush-toy)