Pokémon Celebrates 30 Years with Star-Studded Super Bowl Spectacle

The Pokémon franchise has officially reached its fourth decade, marking a milestone that’s sending waves of nostalgia through the gaming community—particularly among those who were there at the beginning. What began as a pair of Game Boy titles released in Japan on February 27, 1996, has evolved into a global multimedia juggernaut spanning video games, trading cards, animated series, movies, and merchandise that has captured the hearts of multiple generations.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, The Pokémon Company pulled out all the stops with a high-profile 60-second commercial that premiered during Super Bowl 60, one of television’s most coveted advertising slots. The decision to invest in such premium airtime underscores just how far the franchise has come from its humble beginnings and demonstrates the enduring cultural impact of these pocket monsters.

The commercial itself is a masterclass in nostalgia marketing, featuring an impressive roster of international celebrities sharing their personal connections to various Pokémon from across the franchise’s three-decade history. The lineup reads like a who’s who of contemporary pop culture: comedian and television host Trevor Noah, global pop icon Lady Gaga, Blackpink’s mesmerizing vocalist Jisoo, and the rapidly rising Puerto Rican rap sensation Young Miko all make appearances.

Each celebrity brings their own unique flavor to the celebration. Trevor Noah, known for his sharp wit and cultural commentary, selects his favorite Pokémon with characteristic humor. Blackpink’s Jisoo, whose global influence continues to expand, shares her choice with the grace and charm that has made her one of K-pop’s most beloved figures. Young Miko, representing the vibrant Latin music scene, adds a fresh perspective that highlights Pokémon’s truly international appeal.

But it’s Lady Gaga’s contribution that has everyone talking. The Grammy-winning artist, known for her theatrical performances and boundary-pushing artistry, chooses Jigglypuff—a Pokémon whose signature move involves lulling opponents to sleep with its soothing melody. In a moment that has already become legendary, Gaga proceeds to perform the Jigglypuff lullaby right there in the commercial, transforming what could have been a simple endorsement into an unforgettable cultural moment. The internet has been ablaze with reactions, with many declaring that “Lady Gaga singing the Jigglypuff lullaby” is officially the most delightfully bizarre sentence of 2025.

This unexpected musical interlude perfectly encapsulates Pokémon’s unique ability to bridge generations and genres. Here we have one of the world’s biggest pop stars, known for elaborate stage productions and avant-garde fashion, willingly participating in what is essentially a children’s song about a pink, balloon-like creature. It’s a testament to Pokémon’s universal charm and its power to make even the most serious celebrities embrace their inner child.

While the Super Bowl ad itself doesn’t announce any specific new products or game releases—a move that some fans found slightly disappointing—The Pokémon Company has confirmed that this is just the beginning of a year-long celebration. Two major fan-focused events have already been announced, giving enthusiasts plenty to look forward to as the anniversary year unfolds.

The first of these is the “What’s Your Favorite? Fan Photo Creations” event in Pokémon GO, the mobile game that revitalized the franchise when it launched in 2016. This event will introduce a new camera feature that allows players to capture and share photos of their favorite Pokémon in the game world. Given Pokémon GO’s massive player base and the community’s creativity with in-game photography, this feature promises to generate a wealth of user-generated content celebrating the franchise’s legacy.

The timing of this announcement is particularly interesting, as it suggests The Pokémon Company is doubling down on Pokémon GO’s continued relevance even as it celebrates the broader franchise’s history. The mobile game has proven to be more than just a fad, maintaining an active player base and regularly introducing new features and Pokémon.

Industry analysts are already speculating about what other surprises might be in store for the anniversary year. With three decades of history to draw from, the possibilities are nearly endless. Could we see remastered versions of classic games? New entries in beloved spin-off series? Perhaps even that long-rumored console Pokémon game that fans have been dreaming about for years?

What’s certain is that Pokémon’s cultural impact shows no signs of waning. From its origins as a pair of Japanese Game Boy games to its current status as a global entertainment powerhouse, the franchise has consistently evolved while maintaining the core appeal that made it special in the first place: the joy of discovery, the thrill of collection, and the bonds formed between trainers and their Pokémon partners.

As we look ahead to what promises to be an exciting year for Pokémon fans, one thing is clear: whether you’re a trainer who’s been catching ’em all since 1996 or someone who just downloaded Pokémon GO last week, there’s never been a better time to celebrate these incredible creatures that have brought so much joy to so many people around the world.

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