Sora's is a little off too, it might just be how these are designed.
Oh yeah, KH2 Sora's PAK was a little "bug-eyed" but they actually made improvements to his face with the Limit and then even more to the Final Forms figures, which makes them not just "variants." Of course these figures are always aiming for their perfect recreations, but like wax figures, it's not 100% feasible.
I don't really think so.
People who just want the game wouldn't have bought an expensive limited edition (and lets be honest, with the PAK included, it surely would've cost 150$+) and those who want such a PAK will buy it anyways. June-August has the E3 and the gamescom at least, two opportunities to sell such a PAK and I'm sure it'll be sold out eventualy anyways, so I'd say it's good they didn't make it earlier.
The more I think about this, the more I think this figure just wasn't ready. To start, SE is no stranger to including PAK with their LEs (Limit Form Sora in KH2.5 in JP, Noctis in FFXV LE global, Lara Croft in Tomb Raider LE global). Second, KH's limited editions have, historically, done extremely well. Not only did both 3D and 2.5 LEs sell out before release, but both were going for crazy $200+ pricetags on release.T
They retailed for ~$100, so making a $200 more exclusive and limited edition with this would have done very well what with the Aqua-fan club being very present in the KH community. Of course, like Limit Form Sora, Noctis, and Lara, she would have been sold separately.
Plus, having this figure would have only further increased advertisements for KH2.8, which would have increase advertisements for the figure itself.
That being said, for whatever reason they chose to show her now, she's here, and I am very ready.
Square Enix apparently uploaded this picture to their Facebook page. It confirms the July release date.
July 2017 in JP or globally? Given it says that in Germany, I'm inclined to think globally, which is interesting because SEJP has a record of getting merch 2-3 months in advance. Either way, she may very well be sold at the World Orchestra concerts as well as conventions for those who are attending and interested.
Also what's interesting is that, from photos, it doesn't appear as if Aqua will be coming with many added parts (keyblades, faces, etc.). They tend to showcase all pieces with the figures, and given she's practically ready for retail, it doesn't appear anything will come with her (probably hands to hold they keyblade or not).