Can PENGU Match DOGE & SHIB? Meme Culture, NFTs & Toys Are Surging

The world of meme coins has long been dominated by giants like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. Now, a new contender, the PENGU token, is making waves. Built on the Solana blockchain and tied to the popular Pudgy Penguins NFT collection, PENGU is showing signs that it might join the ranks of top meme coins. In mid-September 2025, PENGU’s price rose reaching $0.033 after breaking out of a long downward trend. This growth comes as the number of holders passed 868,000, boosted further by a token burn that reduced the supply by nearly 14%. With fewer tokens in circulation, demand increased, and trading activity spiked to over 1.2 million transactions in a single day.

The Pudgy Penguins brand is more than just a cryptocurrency. It started as a collection of 22,222 digital penguin avatars, which have become highly valued NFTs. In September, the floor price of these NFTs rose 15%, now standing at 2.5 ETH. But what makes Pudgy Penguins stand out is how it connects the digital world with physical products. Through partnerships with major retailers like Walmart, Pudgy Penguin toys have sold more than $5 million worth of merchandise this year alone. Each toy comes with a chip that links to the blockchain, giving buyers access to exclusive online rewards and bonuses. This mix of digital and physical experiences is one of the main reasons PENGU is gaining so much attention.

The project is also expanding into gaming. On September 8, the mobile game Pudgy Party was released and quickly reached 150,000 downloads within the first weekend. The game connects directly to the NFT ecosystem, allowing players to earn in-game rewards that can be used for upgrading NFTs or staking PENGU tokens. With staking rewards ranging from 8% to 12% annually, the game is creating new reasons for people to get involved and stay engaged.

A timeline traces the pudgy plot:

Comparing to Dogecoin and Shiba Inu

Dogecoin and Shiba Inu have built strong reputations through community culture, celebrity mentions, and unique features like token burning. PENGU is following a similar path but adds new elements that give it extra appeal. While Dogecoin mainly thrives on its loyal community and Shiba Inu has built its own blockchain network, PENGU adds physical products, blockchain-linked toys, and gaming into the mix. NFC chips inside Pudgy Penguin toys are more than simple collectibles. They can be scanned to verify ownership on the blockchain and unlock hidden rewards such as exclusive digital items or token airdrops. This is something that neither Dogecoin nor Shiba Inu currently offer, making PENGU a unique case in the meme coin space.

PENGU’s Rise in the Meme Coin Revival

PENGU is growing at a time when meme coins are making a comeback. This year, over $2.8 billion has been invested in meme coins. For PENGU to succeed, it needs to offer more than just excitement; it must provide practical uses that attract both investors and users. Dogecoin remains a major player with a market value of about $40 billion, much higher than PENGU’s fully diluted valuation. Shiba Inu has expanded its capabilities with Shibarium, a technology that allows quick transactions and the creation of NFTs. To stay competitive, PENGU needs to show it can blend entertainment, usefulness, and community engagement.

Some experts think PENGU could grow a lot, even if it doesn’t reach Dogecoin’s fame right away. By mixing elements like NFTs, games, and physical toys, PENGU is building a solid base for long-term success. If upcoming exchange-traded fund (ETF) approvals happen, they might spark more interest and investment. PENGU illustrates how meme coins are changing. While older coins relied largely on community spirit, newer ones like PENGU are adding real-world applications and interactive experiences. This change could influence the future of meme coins, showing that enjoyment and financial value can merge in surprising ways.