UPDATE: The Pokémon Company International has just announced a thrilling teaser for its highly awaited 30th anniversary video, set to premiere during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. This revelation has ignited a frenzy among fans and marks the beginning of a yearlong global celebration for a franchise that has enchanted billions since its inception in 1996.
The 20-second trailer, featuring the beloved Pokémon Jigglypuff in a dimly lit studio, builds anticipation with the tagline: “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with a special video debuting during Super Bowl LX! #Pokemon30.” This teaser, uploaded to YouTube, has already garnered over 10,000 views within hours, with fans eagerly speculating on potential surprises such as a new generation, a live-action film, or Jigglypuff’s much-anticipated “big performance” during the game.
The advertisement will air during the highly anticipated matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, reaching an estimated 120 million viewers—one of the largest audiences in television history. Super Bowl ads typically command between $7-8 million for a 30-second spot, underscoring Pokémon’s bold investment in its enduring cultural legacy.
“This commercial kicks off our yearlong campaign to celebrate 30 incredible years of Pokémon,” a representative from The Pokémon Company stated in a press release. They promise to “reflect the Pokémon fandom in unexpected ways,” though specific details remain tightly under wraps.
Created by Satoshi Tajiri, Pokémon was launched in Japan on February 27, 1996, as Pocket Monsters. Since then, it has exploded globally, with Pokémon Red and Green for Game Boy leading the charge. By 2026, the franchise boasts over 1.1 billion game sales and 30 billion trading card game (TCG) cards sold, alongside an anime series with over 1,200 episodes enjoyed by multiple generations.
Excitement is building as fans remember the franchise’s 20th anniversary ad during Super Bowl 50 in 2016, which became a fan favorite while promoting a 3DS bundle. With Pokémon Scarlet and Violet achieving monumental success, expectations are high for possible teases of Generation 10 or remakes.
In conjunction with the ad rollout, Pokémon is offering exclusive merchandise at the Pokémon Center, including apparel, TCG accessories, and decor. Partner products from Lego (with the first sets launching in February 2026) and Jazwares are also on the way, along with new TCG expansions like the Pokémon Day 2026 Collection available now and the First Partner Illustration Collection releasing on March 20, featuring starters from Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola.
A Pokémon Day livestream is confirmed for February 27—the official anniversary—potentially revealing further surprises, such as updates on Pokopia or new mobile titles and hardware. The online community is buzzing with excitement; Twitter user @Wario64 exclaimed, “Jigglypuff in the Super Bowl? Take my money!” which received over 1,300 likes. Speculation ranges from potential cameos to a Jigglypuff halftime performance, generating lively discussions on Reddit’s r/pokemon.
As gaming ads become more prevalent during the Super Bowl—following Nintendo’s Mario and Kirby spots and PlayStation’s God of War trailers—Pokémon’s return underscores its mainstream appeal, attracting families, collectors, and nostalgia seekers alike.
The campaign arrives amid challenges for Pokémon in 2026, including competition from emerging games like Palworld and mobile fatigue. However, sales remain robust, bolstered by the successful DLC for Scarlet and Violet. Executives hint that the upcoming video will “surprise” fans with tributes and insights into the franchise’s future. “It’s about the community that made Pokémon what it is,” a representative told Game Informer.
As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, anticipation continues to build for what Jigglypuff’s “studio wait” might signal—whether it’s a nostalgic retrospective, a game reveal, or something entirely revolutionary. Get ready to “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” once again!
