Pokémon, one of the most enduring franchises in gaming history, is celebrating its landmark 30th anniversary in 2024 with a series of major festivities.
Leading the celebrations, The Pokémon Company marked the occasion with a star-studded commercial that aired during the Super Bowl, leveraging one of the year's most-watched television events in the United States to reach millions of fans and new audiences alike. The Super Bowl, renowned for its massive viewership, provided a high-profile stage for Pokémon’s anniversary campaign.
The commercial featured prominent figures from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and music—among them Lady Gaga, comedian Trevor Noah, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, Formula 1’s Charles Leclerc, footballer Lamine Yamal, actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and rapper Young Miko.
The inclusion of these global celebrities underscored the widespread cultural influence Pokémon has achieved over the past three decades, extending far beyond video games. Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon has introduced hundreds of unique creatures and spawned a multi-generational fanbase across video games, trading card games (TCG), animation, and merchandise.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary, fans are being encouraged to participate in a variety of engaging activities.
Players can utilize the new "What’s Your Favorite" filter in Pokémon GO, allowing them to showcase and share their favorite Pokémon.
Additionally, special Day Out and Night Out events are being organized, offering thematic experiences both online and at select locations. Collectors and enthusiasts can look forward to exclusive 30th-anniversary Pokémon TCG products and limited-edition merchandise available through Pokémon Center locations and the online store.
These anniversary items aim to capture the nostalgia and evolution of the franchise, catering to new and veteran fans on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. Later this month, Pokémon Day—a global holiday honoring the series’ release—will feature a highly anticipated Pokémon Presents presentation.
While details have yet to be officially announced, the event typically includes updates on new titles, expansions, and special in-game events across the Nintendo Switch, the eShop, and mobile platforms.
Previous presentations have set viewership records, testifying to the franchise's enduring interest and commercial success. Since launching on original Game Boy hardware, Pokémon has remained a cornerstone of Nintendo’s portfolio, with over 440 million video games sold as of 2023 and an ever-expanding world of anime, toys, and digital content.
The 30th anniversary serves as both a retrospective celebration and a launchpad for future innovations in gaming and entertainment.
Stay tuned to upcoming Pokémon Direct streams and the official Pokémon website for news on anniversary activities, new releases, and exclusive content.
Leading the celebrations, The Pokémon Company marked the occasion with a star-studded commercial that aired during the Super Bowl, leveraging one of the year's most-watched television events in the United States to reach millions of fans and new audiences alike. The Super Bowl, renowned for its massive viewership, provided a high-profile stage for Pokémon’s anniversary campaign.
The commercial featured prominent figures from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and music—among them Lady Gaga, comedian Trevor Noah, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, Formula 1’s Charles Leclerc, footballer Lamine Yamal, actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and rapper Young Miko.
The inclusion of these global celebrities underscored the widespread cultural influence Pokémon has achieved over the past three decades, extending far beyond video games. Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon has introduced hundreds of unique creatures and spawned a multi-generational fanbase across video games, trading card games (TCG), animation, and merchandise.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary, fans are being encouraged to participate in a variety of engaging activities.
Players can utilize the new "What’s Your Favorite" filter in Pokémon GO, allowing them to showcase and share their favorite Pokémon.
Additionally, special Day Out and Night Out events are being organized, offering thematic experiences both online and at select locations. Collectors and enthusiasts can look forward to exclusive 30th-anniversary Pokémon TCG products and limited-edition merchandise available through Pokémon Center locations and the online store.
These anniversary items aim to capture the nostalgia and evolution of the franchise, catering to new and veteran fans on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. Later this month, Pokémon Day—a global holiday honoring the series’ release—will feature a highly anticipated Pokémon Presents presentation.
While details have yet to be officially announced, the event typically includes updates on new titles, expansions, and special in-game events across the Nintendo Switch, the eShop, and mobile platforms.
Previous presentations have set viewership records, testifying to the franchise's enduring interest and commercial success. Since launching on original Game Boy hardware, Pokémon has remained a cornerstone of Nintendo’s portfolio, with over 440 million video games sold as of 2023 and an ever-expanding world of anime, toys, and digital content.
The 30th anniversary serves as both a retrospective celebration and a launchpad for future innovations in gaming and entertainment.
Stay tuned to upcoming Pokémon Direct streams and the official Pokémon website for news on anniversary activities, new releases, and exclusive content.
