The Pokémon Company International has generated excitement among fans with a teaser for a special video celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Scheduled to premiere during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, this announcement marks the beginning of a yearlong global celebration for Pokémon, which has captured the hearts of millions since its inception.
The brief, 20-second teaser features the beloved Pokémon Jigglypuff in a cozy studio setting, coupled with the tagline: “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with a special video debuting during Super Bowl LX on February 8! #Pokemon30.” The teaser, uploaded to YouTube, quickly garnered over 10,000 views within hours, with fans speculating about potential reveals, including a new game generation, a live-action movie, or a memorable performance from Jigglypuff.
Strategic Timing and Investment
The video will air during the high-stakes game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, which is expected to draw more than 120 million viewers—one of the largest audiences for television. Super Bowl advertisements typically command between $7 million and $8 million for a 30-second slot, indicating Pokémon’s significant investment in this promotional venture and reaffirming the franchise’s cultural relevance.
“This commercial kicks off our yearlong campaign to celebrate 30 incredible years of Pokémon,” stated a representative from The Pokémon Company in a recent press release. The company promises that the campaign will “reflect the Pokémon fandom in unexpected ways,” although specific details remain undisclosed.
Since its launch in Japan on February 27, 1996, Pokémon has grown into a global phenomenon, initially introduced as “Pocket Monsters.” It gained widespread popularity with the release of Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy. By 2026, the franchise boasts over 1.1 billion game sales, 30 billion trading card game (TCG) cards sold, and an extensive anime series with more than 1,200 episodes enjoyed by generations of fans.
Looking Ahead to Pokémon’s Future
The upcoming video will be reminiscent of Pokémon’s 20th anniversary advertisement that aired during Super Bowl 50 in 2016, which became a fan-favorite during its peak. Expectations are high for this year’s reveal, especially following the success of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, as well as the franchise’s dominance in mobile gaming. Fans are eager to see hints of new game generations or remakes of classic titles.
As part of the anniversary celebration, exclusive merchandise will be available at the Pokémon Center, including apparel, TCG accessories, and home decor. The partnership with Lego will also see the launch of its first sets in February 2026, alongside TCG expansions like the Pokémon Day 2026 Collection and the First Partner Illustration Collection, set for release on March 20.
On February 27, which marks the official anniversary, a Pokémon Day livestream is planned, potentially unveiling new updates, mobile titles, or hardware. This event has already sparked considerable online chatter, with fans expressing their enthusiasm on social media platforms. One Twitter user, @Wario64, exclaimed, “Jigglypuff in the Super Bowl? Take my money!” garnering over 1,300 likes.
Discussion threads on Reddit’s r/pokemon have been abuzz with speculation about potential surprises, ranging from cameo appearances to a halftime performance featuring Jigglypuff. The Super Bowl has become a popular platform for gaming advertisements, with notable campaigns from Nintendo and PlayStation in previous years.
As Pokémon navigates the challenges of 2026, including competition from titles like Palworld and addressing feedback from Generation 9, the franchise continues to thrive with solid sales numbers and an enthusiastic fan base. Executives hint that the upcoming video will “surprise” audiences with tributes and glimpses into the future of Pokémon.
“It’s about the community that made Pokémon what it is,” a representative told Game Informer, emphasizing the franchise’s deep-rooted connection with its fans. As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, anticipation builds around what Jigglypuff’s “studio wait” might foreshadow—whether it be a nostalgic look back, a new game announcement, or something entirely revolutionary. Pokémon’s 30th anniversary promises to reignite the passion of its global audience, challenging everyone to “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” once again.
