Super Mario Sunshine Era Yoshi Plush Backpack 2002 SAMPLE/ PROTOTYPE Unreleased

I obtained this from a seller who obtained it from a Chinese factory clear-out and who frequently comes across prototypes and samples by those means; the same seller who provided me with the Banpresto Yoshi webcam. Judging by the design of this backpack plush, it appears to be from the early 2000's era of Yoshi's character design. We are sure that this plush never released in any capacity and even this prototype of it is in early stages, clearly. its eyes are plastic and attached over where marker had once been, suggesting that this was a work in progress as the factory prepared it for whichever licensee of Nintendo's was considering its production. his nostrils are only defined by marker as well. It is very soft and stands about 14" tall. I am sure that this is one of a kind so no other will ever appear. the seam work is solid though the plush features no embroidery- which may have been added to the released version if this did get approved.