- What Is the Second-Generation Poketomo (SR-C02M-H)?
- Key Takeaways
- The Bottom Line
- Price, Launch Date, and How to Buy
- New Features of the Second-Generation Poketomo
- Specifications Summary
- Things to Check Before Buying
- Who the Second-Generation Poketomo Might Suit
- Who Should Think Twice
- Comparing With Mia, the Chatty Cat-Shaped Robot
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
What Is the Second-Generation Poketomo (SR-C02M-H)?
On August 25, 2026, Sharp announced a second-generation model (SR-C02M-H) of its conversational AI character "Poketomo." It was shown to the public for the first time at the Sharp booth of Tokyo Toy Show 2026, held August 27-30 at Tokyo Big Sight, and is scheduled to launch in December 2026.
Image source: Sharp news release, "Second Generation of Conversational AI Character 'Poketomo' Arrives"
The original Poketomo (SR-C01M), released in December 2025 by Sharp (the maker behind RoBoHoN), drew attention as a palm-sized, meerkat-inspired AI character. The second generation shares the same meerkat motif, but takes a different direction in both personality and functionality.
Key Takeaways
What the Second-Generation Poketomo Is
- The second model in Sharp's "Poketomo" conversational AI robot lineup (model: SR-C02M-H)
- Launching in December 2026, priced at 49,500 yen (tax included) through Sharp's direct-sales site COCORO STORE
- A monthly app usage fee starting at 495 yen (multiple plans expected, as with the original)
- Personality described as "blunt and not straightforward, but devoted to its owner" — an "ore-sama" (self-important) character
- Say "You're so cute!" and it snaps back "Cut it out! I'm not a cute character!" — a tsundere-style response style
- New feature: two Poketomo units registered to the same app will start chatting with each other automatically when nearby
- Original merchandise (outfits, an outing pouch, and more) is planned
- An "ambassador program" will incorporate user feedback into development
- The original model (SR-C01M) is expected to get a price increase around the December 2026 launch of the second generation (currently 39,600 yen), reportedly due to rising memory component costs
- Reservations are open now on COCORO STORE
What's Good
- A distinct "ore-sama" personality that contrasts with the original's innocent character, broadening the range of the series
- Two robots autonomously chatting with each other is a novel experience not found in standalone conversational robots
- The character originated from a manga series on Sharp's official X (formerly Twitter) account, tying the product to an existing fan base
- An ambassador program that reflects user feedback in development
- A planned discount plan for owners of both generations, making it easier to add a second unit
Things to Consider
- The unit price is about 10,000 yen higher than the original (39,600 yen to 49,500 yen)
- Continued use requires a separate monthly app fee (starting at 495 yen)
- The original is also expected to see a price increase around the same time, raising costs across the series
- Launch is not until December 2026, and at the time of writing it's still in the pre-order stage
- Some details, including exact size, weight, and color lineup, are still pending an official announcement
Who It Might Suit
- Original Poketomo owners looking to add a second unit with a different personality
- Fans of tsundere or sharp-tongued character banter
- People who enjoy watching two robots interact with each other
- Followers of Sharp's AI character lineup
The Bottom Line
The second-generation Poketomo pivots from the original's innocent personality to a tsundere "ore-sama" character who is "blunt but devoted to its owner." The headline feature is that two units, registered to the same app, will start chatting with each other autonomously — a new way to enjoy the product beyond the original's single-unit design.
That said, at 49,500 yen it costs about 10,000 yen more than the original, and a separate monthly fee is required. Since launch isn't until December 2026, some specification and plan details are still pending official confirmation.
For existing Poketomo owners, this could be a worthwhile second unit. For those considering an AI character robot for the first time, it's worth weighing the personality and feature differences from the original, along with your budget.
If you'd rather start with a single, affordable conversational robot for daily chats, the cat-shaped robot "Mia" — starting at 9,800 yen (tax included) — is another option worth considering.
👇 Mia, a chatty cat-shaped robot that speaks 47 Japanese dialects
Price, Launch Date, and How to Buy
Price and Launch Date
The second-generation Poketomo (SR-C02M-H) is priced at 49,500 yen (tax included) on Sharp's direct-sales site, COCORO STORE. It's scheduled to launch in December 2026, and reservations are open as of this writing.
Continued use requires a monthly app usage fee starting at 495 yen. The original offered three plans: Normal (495 yen/month, 400 conversations), Premium (990 yen/month, 800 conversations), and Gold (1,980 yen/month, 1,600 conversations). The second generation is likely to offer a similar multi-tier plan, though full details await an official announcement.
Price Comparison With the Original
| Item | Original Poketomo (SR-C01M) | 2nd Generation Poketomo (SR-C02M-H) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch date | December 2025 | December 2026 |
| Direct-sales price | 39,600 yen (price increase planned for December 2026) | 49,500 yen |
| Monthly app fee | From 495 yen (3-tier plan) | From 495 yen |
| Character personality | Innocent | Blunt "ore-sama" |
Sharp says it plans to raise the price of the original model to coincide with the second generation's launch, citing rising memory component costs. If you're considering the original, buying before the price increase is worth factoring in.
A Discount Plan for Owners of Both Generations
Sharp has announced plans for a discounted "Kokoro Plan for Poketomo" for users who own both the original and the second-generation units. It's expected to bundle the monthly fees for both devices at a reduced rate, though details are still pending.
New Features of the Second-Generation Poketomo
The Birth of the "Ore-sama" Character
The second generation's character originated from a manga series that Sharp published on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. Its personality — "blunt and not straightforward, but devoted to its owner" — comes through in exchanges like responding "Cut it out! I'm not a cute character!" when told "You're so cute!," a tsundere-style contrast to the original's more innocent responses.
Image source: Sharp news release, "Second Generation of Conversational AI Character 'Poketomo' Arrives"
Sharp's official site also introduces the backstory of how this "ore-sama" character came to be, through a manga.
Image source: Sharp news release, "Second Generation of Conversational AI Character 'Poketomo' Arrives" (© 2025 Sharp Corporation, Chimaki Kurihana/Cork)
Auto-Conversation Between Two Robots
The biggest new feature is that when two Poketomo units are registered to the same app, they'll automatically start chatting with each other whenever they're nearby. Sharp says the robots will have "carefree chats" with each other several times a day. Beyond talking with their owner one-on-one, this proposes a new way to enjoy the product: watching the robots interact with each other.
Mia has a broadly similar feature for enjoying multiple units together. For details, see the article linked below on "Duo Talk."
Smartphone App Integration
The second generation uses the same smartphone app as the original, which Sharp plans to update to coincide with the new model's launch.
Image source: Sharp news release, "Second Generation of Conversational AI Character 'Poketomo' Arrives"
Original Merchandise
Original merchandise for Poketomo, including outfits and an outing pouch, is also planned. Specific lineups and pricing are still pending an official announcement as of this writing.
Ambassador Program
Sharp also plans an "ambassador program" to reflect user feedback in future development. Details on participation and benefits are still to be announced.
Specifications Summary
Image source: Sharp news release, "Second Generation of Conversational AI Character 'Poketomo' Arrives"
| Item | 2nd Generation Poketomo (SR-C02M-H) |
|---|---|
| Product name | Poketomo 2nd Generation |
| Model number | SR-C02M-H |
| Maker | Sharp |
| Motif | Meerkat |
| Height | Approx. 124mm (provisional) |
| Character personality | Blunt, not straightforward "ore-sama" |
| Direct-sales price | 49,500 yen (tax included, COCORO STORE) |
| Monthly app fee | From 495 yen |
| Main parts | Camera (inside mouth), 2 microphones, voice-recognition button/LED/speaker (chest), power button/charging terminal (feet), manner key/USB port (back) |
| New features | Auto-conversation between two units, original merchandise, ambassador program |
| Launch date | December 2026 |
| Sales regions | Japan, Taiwan |
| First shown | Tokyo Toy Show 2026 (August 27-30, 2026, Tokyo Big Sight) |
Some details, such as weight and color lineup, are not yet stated on the official site as of this writing. Check the COCORO STORE product page for the latest information before purchasing.
Things to Check Before Buying
1. Launch Is Still Months Away (December 2026)
As of this writing (August 2026), the product has only just been shown at Tokyo Toy Show 2026 and reservations have opened. Hands-on reviews and user feedback are not yet widely available, so it's worth checking for updates closer to and after launch.
2. The Unit Price Is Higher Than the Original
At 49,500 yen, the second generation costs roughly 10,000 yen more than the original's 39,600 yen. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two generations.
3. A Separate Monthly App Fee Is Required
Beyond the unit price, continued use requires a monthly app fee. Worth factoring into the running cost if you plan to use it long-term.
4. You Need Two Units to Use the Auto-Conversation Feature
The auto-conversation feature only works with two units. If you buy just one, you won't be able to experience this particular feature.
Who the Second-Generation Poketomo Might Suit
Original Poketomo Owners Considering a Second Unit
If you already own the original and want to add a character with a different personality, this pairs well — including the auto-conversation feature between the two.
Fans of Tsundere or Sharp-Tongued Characters
If you enjoy exchanges where the character pushes back at being called "cute," this offers a different appeal from the original.
People Who Enjoy Watching Robots Interact
Beyond talking to it yourself, this suits people who'd enjoy watching two robots chat with each other on their own.
Who Should Think Twice
Those Looking to Start on a Budget
Between the 49,500 yen unit price and the ongoing monthly fee, budget-conscious shoppers may want to compare other options for both upfront and running costs.
Those Who Want to Use It Right Away
Since launch isn't until December 2026, this isn't a fit for anyone wanting to start using it immediately.
Comparing With Mia, the Chatty Cat-Shaped Robot
Poketomo and Mia are both AI character robots for the home, but they differ in price point and concept.
| Comparison | 2nd Gen Poketomo | Mia |
|---|---|---|
| Motif | Meerkat | Cat |
| Unit price | 49,500 yen (tax included) | From 9,800 yen (tax included) |
| Monthly cost | From 495 yen | 300 yen/month only when using the Conversation Model (other features are free) |
| Character personality | Blunt "ore-sama" | A friendly character that speaks 47 Japanese dialects |
| Main features | Voice conversation, auto-conversation between two units | 47 Japanese dialects, voice conversation, expressions, Google Calendar integration, weather updates, 15 English character voices |
| Multi-unit experience | Two units chat automatically when nearby | "Duo Talk" lets two Mia units perform a scripted back-and-forth |
| Availability | Launching December 2026 (reservations open) | Available now |
The second-generation Poketomo proposes a unique experience where two robots start chatting on their own when nearby, but it requires a meaningful investment in both unit price and monthly cost. Mia also has a way to enjoy multiple units together — "Duo Talk," where two Mia units perform a scripted exchange — starting from a more accessible 9,800 yen (tax included).
If you want a more autonomous experience where conversation starts on its own whenever the robots are near each other, the second-generation Poketomo is the pick. If you'd rather start on a budget with a scripted back-and-forth and everyday conversation, Mia is the easier choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the second-generation Poketomo launch?
It's scheduled to launch in December 2026. As of this writing (August 2026), reservations are open on Sharp's direct-sales site, COCORO STORE.
How much does the second-generation Poketomo cost?
49,500 yen (tax included) on Sharp's direct-sales site, plus a separate monthly app fee starting at 495 yen.
How is it different from the original Poketomo?
The character's personality has changed from the original's "innocent" style to a blunt "ore-sama" persona in the second generation. It also adds a new feature where two Poketomo units automatically chat with each other when registered to the same app and nearby. The unit price has also risen, from 39,600 yen for the original to 49,500 yen.
Is the price of the original Poketomo changing too?
Yes. Sharp has announced plans to raise the price of the original (currently 39,600 yen) to coincide with the second generation's launch, citing rising memory component costs.
Can I use the auto-conversation feature with just one unit?
No. The auto-conversation feature only works when two Poketomo units are registered to the same app. With a single unit, you won't be able to experience this feature.
Which is better suited, Mia or Poketomo?
It depends on your use case and budget. If you want a more autonomous experience where conversation starts on its own between two nearby robots, the second-generation Poketomo may suit you better. If you'd rather try an affordable conversational robot first, Mia may be the easier choice. Mia starts at 9,800 yen (tax included) and includes 47 Japanese dialects, expressions, Google Calendar integration, weather updates, and a "Duo Talk" feature where two Mia units perform a scripted back-and-forth.
Summary
The second-generation Poketomo (SR-C02M-H) pivots from the original's innocent personality to a blunt "ore-sama" character, built around a new auto-conversation feature between two units. It's scheduled to launch in December 2026 at 49,500 yen, plus a monthly app fee starting at 495 yen. Following its debut at Tokyo Toy Show 2026, reservations are open now on COCORO STORE.
For existing Poketomo owners, this looks like an appealing second unit with a distinct personality and the added auto-conversation feature. If you're considering an AI character robot for the first time, it's worth weighing the price, monthly cost, and launch timing against the original and other conversational robots.
If you'd rather start with an affordable robot for everyday conversation right away, the cat-shaped robot "Mia," starting at 9,800 yen (tax included), is another option worth a look.
👀 You may also like:
👉 2026 Guide: AI Pet Robots for Elderly Loneliness – A Comparison of 10 Companion Robots
👉 2026 Edition: 9 Recommended Pet Robots Under $150 – Cheap, Cute, and Healing Models
👉 Monthly and Maintenance Costs of Pet Robots: Moflin, LOVOT, Mia, and More
👉 Mia – Your Chatty AI Cat Companion Robot with 100+ Expressions
