The journey that began thirty years ago in the pixelated fields of the Kanto region is coming full circle. On February 27, 1996, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green launched in Japan, sparking a cultural phenomenon that would redefine television, film, and global entertainment. This week, the road to the landmark 30th anniversary officially began with the announcement of a massive Super Bowl LX commercial, signaling that the “Pokémania” of the late ’90s is ready to take over the mainstream once again.
A Nostalgic Return to the Big Game
For fans who grew up watching the animated series on Saturday mornings or seeing the first movies in theaters, this Sunday’s Super Bowl LX (February 8) offers a major moment of nostalgia. The Pokémon Company has officially confirmed that a special 30th-anniversary video will debut during the broadcast, marking the franchise’s most significant return to the Super Bowl since its 20th-anniversary spot a decade ago.
The kickoff began with a cryptic, heart-tugging teaser featuring the classic Kanto-region favorite Jigglypuff. The 20-second clip shows the pink puffball in a recording studio, hummimg its signature lullaby—a melody that has been a staple of the franchise’s screen presence for thirty years. This focus on the original generation highlights a clear intent to celebrate the legacy and the multi-generational bond that fans have shared since the mid-90s.
Thirty Years of Pop Culture Influence
Pokémon’s 30th anniversary is more than a milestone for a brand; it is a celebration of a fixture in entertainment history. With over 1,200 episodes of the animated series and the global success of live-action ventures like Detective Pikachu, the franchise has proven its enduring power on screen. The upcoming Super Bowl ad, titled around the theme of “bringing people together,” is expected to serve as a tribute to the fans who have made Pokémon the highest-grossing media franchise in the world.
While the commercial is the immediate focus for television audiences, the last few days have also brought concrete details on how fans can celebrate the 30-year legacy:
- The Anniversary Logo: An official 30th-anniversary logo has been unveiled, cleverly featuring Pikachu’s face with the numbers “3” and “0” serving as its iconic red cheeks.
- LEGO Partnership: In a major announcement for collectors, the first-ever LEGO Pokémon sets—including a massive tribute to the original Kanto starters (Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise)—are scheduled to launch on February 27.
- Commemorative Merchandise: The Pokémon Center has launched a dedicated “30th Anniversary Hub,” debuting retro-inspired apparel and accessories that celebrate the brand’s history.
- Pokémon Day 2026 Collection: Retailers have begun stocking special TCG collections that include a unique stamped Pikachu promo card, specifically designed to honor the 1996 launch date.
Looking Ahead to Pokémon Day
The Super Bowl spot is merely the opening act. All eyes are now on February 27, the official “Pokémon Day.” This is when the annual Pokémon Presents livestream is expected to air. For entertainment fans, this is the traditional time for announcements regarding new animated projects, potential film sequels, and the future of the franchise on our screens.
As we wait for the big game this Sunday, the return of Jigglypuff and the celebration of thirty years of adventure serve as a powerful reminder of why we all fell in love with this world in the first place.