Fans can expect interactive activities and merchandise as the beloved franchise celebrates a huge milestone. Oh, there’s a cool new ad, too!
Lady Gaga and Jigglypuff singing side-by-side in a studio? I never would have imagined. But over the Super Bowl LX weekend, Pokémon fans—myself included—were given the duet of a lifetime, with the pop icon and fan-favorite, mischief-loving pink blob singing the Jigglypuff song (which is more of a chant, really) together in a special anniversary ad.
With this unexpected duet, we can declare Pokémon’s 30th anniversary celebrations open! And leading the way for a year of Pokémon fun is the “What’s Your Favorite” campaign, launched through the adorable ad which premiered during America’s biggest sporting event.
In the minute-long ad, Lady Gaga can’t help but sing Jigglypuff praises, mentioning the Pokémon’s “12-octave vocal range” and ability to use “her voice to protect herself.” The charismatic duo then proceeded to belt out, well, Jigglypuff.
Aside from Lady Gaga and Jigglypuff, the ad also features Trevor Noah and his favorite Pysduck, Jisoo and Eevee, Charles Leclerc and Arcanine, Lamine Yamal and Zygarde, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Luxray, and Young Miko and Gengar.
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The concept is a nod to the theory that “every Pokémon is someone’s favorite,” which I can attest to since my favorites—Quagsire, Clodsire, Morpeko, and Raikou—are nowhere near as popular as Pikachu, Charizard, or Eevee. Every Pokémon fan, indeed, has their own favorite character.
While the ad was well-received by fans—I lost track of how many times I watched it—the more hardcore ones (and there are multitudes of them) are craving more, especially new games. Much to their dismay, there is still no news of any new or re-released titles. But they can take comfort in the fact that it’s still quite early in the anniversary year, and if the 25th celebration in 2021 offers any clues with its McDonald’s Happy Meals, nostalgic card reprints, music collaborations, and more, then we’re in for a loaded year for sure.
What the Pokémon Company announced on its website includes a new photo option for its mobile game, Pokémon Go, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. This feature allows fans to choose their favorite Pokémon to “photobomb” their photos. I already took a photo with my favorite Quagsire and was rewarded with some cool in-game items through a “special research.” Yes, I still play Pokémon Go, which I thank for forcing me to walk every day—my only form of exercise—so I could hatch those eggs and earn precious candies!
While details are still limited, the company also announced Pokémon “Day Out” and “Night Out,” touted as experiences designed to give fans of all ages the ability to connect with fellow Trainers in “interactive and immersive ways” in real life. More details are promised soon.
Of course, no Pokémon event is complete without special merchandise! Being the world’s biggest franchise, valued at US$147 billion and counting, it’s no surprise that there’s always merch aplenty to cater to every fan. Fans can commemorate its 30th anniversary with the usual suspects: a sweatshirt, cap, t-shirt, and lanyard. There is also an insulated tumbler, a notebook, and stemless glasses. All of which bear the 30th Celebration logo, starring, who else, but everybody’s favorite Pikachu.
My son, a certified Pokémon Trading Card Game addict (he competes!), also can’t wait to get his hands on the Pokémon Day 2026 trading card game collection. We almost grew sick of eating Jollibee’s Kiddie Meals for two days last week because we just had to have the Pokémon toys. The action figures were a bit underwhelming and a tad too small, but the Pokéball was surprisingly neat.
I can’t believe it has been 30 years since Pokémon Red and Green were first released in Japan in February 1996. I remember watching the anime, dubbed in Filipino, every Friday on GMA-7 in 1999, through to the early 2000s. As a decades-long fan, we have come a long way, dear Pokémon, from the pixelated Game Boy games to the Pokémon Go craze in 2016, and now, here we are, celebrating your 30th anniversary. Oh my, why am I getting all misty-eyed?
Character trends have come and gone. Through it all, Pokémon has thrived. One among a select few of greats that include the likes of fellow icons Disney and Nintendo. For the next 30 years and beyond, one thing’s for certain: Pokémon’s legions of fans will never tire of catching them all!
Watch the Pokemon 30th anniversary campaign below.
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