Pokémon Celebrates 30 Years with Star-Studded Super Bowl Ad
As Pokémon marks its 30th anniversary this year, the franchise is starting the celebration with a bang by airing a star-studded and Pokémon-filled ad during the Super Bowl.
The commercial titled “What’s Your Favorite?” features celebrities like Trevor Noah, Lady Gaga, and more revealing their favorite Pokémon and showcasing animated versions of them. Each star is paired with their chosen Pokémon, bringing a unique and personal touch to the ad.
Trevor Noah kicks off the ad by strolling down a boardwalk and pondering his favorite Pokémon. Other celebrities like Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Charles Leclerc, Young Miko, and Jisoo also share their favorite creatures, each describing them in their own words.
Lady Gaga steals the show as she reveals her Pokémon with a 12-octave vocal range and a knack for humor. The ad features a duet between Lady Gaga and the singing Pokémon Jigglypuff, known for its sleep-inducing song from the Pokémon anime.
The commercial showcases a variety of Pokémon, from the playful Psyduck to the majestic Luxray, capturing the essence of the beloved franchise and its diverse characters.
Reflecting on his love for Pokémon, Trevor Noah shares how the franchise has been a part of his life since childhood. He reminisces about playing the original video games and watching the animated series, with Psyduck holding a special place in his heart.
Noah’s choice of Psyduck as his favorite Pokémon is a reflection of his own journey as a neurodivergent individual, drawing parallels between the character’s struggles and his own experiences with ADHD. He sees Psyduck as a symbol of the unlikely hero, navigating challenges and emerging victorious against all odds.
In addition to the Super Bowl ad, Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the release of the new video game “Pokopia” and the opening of the first-ever Pokémon outdoor facility, PokéPark Kanto, in Tokyo.
