Those who simply laughed off the "Outbreak of Pikachus" last year in Yokohama, Japan, were faced with a stark reality Saturday as a small army of the cuddly pocket monsters marched into New York City. Disarmed by the cuteness of the giant marching Pikachu, residents were helpless to stop their fuzzy advance.

The parade was billed as part of Pokémon Day, a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the release of the first Pokémon video game. However, we think these Pikachu are only the beginning of something more sinister ... and adorable.

These Pikachu look excited for Pokémon Day! #Pokemon20 #PikachuNYC pic.twitter.com/8QjRHFRrKi— Pokémon (@Pokemon) February 27, 2016

Spotted: Wild Pikachu on the streets of Brooklyn! #Pokemon20 #PikachuNYC pic.twitter.com/bBnoMJRQrT— Pokémon (@Pokemon) February 27, 2016

Pokémon: Bringing Trainers together since 1996! #Pokemon20https://t.co/d2ar9WhF2c— Pokémon (@Pokemon) February 27, 2016

Congrats on 20 years, @Pokemon! Thanks to all who celebrated #Pokemon20 at @NintendoNYC! pic.twitter.com/0PE3zPSFzk— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 27, 2016

(via Rocket News24)