Pokémon is officially kicking off its 30th-anniversary celebrations in a massive way! During Super Bowl Sunday, the franchise debuted a star-studded commercial titled “What’s Your Favorite?” featuring some of the biggest names in music, sports, and Hollywood alongside their favorite pocket monsters.
The ad features Trevor Noah wandering down a boardwalk with the lovable, confused Psyduck, while Lady Gaga hits the recording studio for a duet with Jigglypuff. Gaga joked that her pink singing partner has a “12-octave vocal range” before the two performed Jigglypuff’s famous lullaby together.
Other stars joined the fun to show off their Pokémon partners. Blackpink’s Jisoo paired up with Eevee, citing its ability to transform into different forms, and “Never Have I Ever” star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan relaxed with the electric lion Luxray. Formula One driver Charles Leclerc chose the lightning-fast Arcanine, while rapper Young Miko showed love for the mischievous Gengar.
Trevor Noah shared a personal connection to the project, noting that he has been a fan since the games first arrived in South Africa when he was a child. He explained that he chose Psyduck because he related to the character as a neurodivergent kid. Noah described Psyduck as an “unlikely hero” who struggles to manage its powerful brain but manages to come out on top against all odds.
This nostalgic commercial is just the beginning of a huge year for the franchise. Fans can look forward to the release of “Pokopia,” a new life-simulation game coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5. Additionally, the first-ever Pokémon outdoor theme park, PokéPark Kanto, just opened its gates in Tokyo.
Watch the ad below!