Konami partners with celebrity cat 'one-eared Uno' for Metal Gear toy line
The gaming giant blends stealth action with pet culture via a limited-edition collection debuting at CatCon 2026.
Konami is partnering with celebrity cat "one-eared Uno" and owner Kat Curtis to launch a limited-edition Metal Gear-themed cat toy collection. The unconventional collaboration aims to bridge the gap between legacy gaming fans and the viral world of celebrity pets.
The merchandise will make its official debut at CatCon 2026, held October 10-11 at the Pasadena Convention Center. According to Konami, the collection will be available for purchase both on-site at the event and online through the OKS Gear Shop. The product lineup features a nod to the series' most famous stealth mechanic: cat scratch boxes modeled after the iconic cardboard boxes used by the franchise's protagonists. Additionally, the collection includes various plush toys and cat collars inspired by Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.
Strategic Timing
This partnership is strategically timed to coincide with the release of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2. The compilation is scheduled to launch on August 17, 2026, across a wide array of platforms, including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and the Nintendo Switch 2. By aligning a niche lifestyle product with a major software release, Konami is utilizing a multi-channel approach to maintain visibility for the franchise.
Market Implications
This campaign represents a shift toward leveraging the "celebrity pet" economy to market legacy intellectual property. By targeting the passionate community of cat enthusiasts at an event like CatCon—which typically features adoption drives and influencer cats—Konami is expanding its reach beyond traditional gaming demographics. The move highlights a growing trend in the industry where gaming brands seek viral, non-traditional touchpoints to drive engagement for remastered content.
What to Watch
While the product line and release dates are confirmed, the scale of the online rollout via the OKS Gear Shop remains to be seen. Industry observers will be watching to see if this cross-pollination of gaming and pet culture leads to a broader trend of "lifestyle" merchandise for older gaming franchises. For now, the focus remains on the August software launch and the October physical debut in Pasadena.