JP Pokemon Center "Whimsicott's Substitute"

I've honestly always wondered why this line is specifically WHIMSICOTT'S substitute doll. Was substitute Whimsicott just that iconic back in 2013? I've wanted a subsitute plush since I was a kid, but figured by now they're too expensive... luckily I was wrong and snagged this guy on the PokePlush Discord for a reasonable price >:) I can't believe I finally have one!