As if there weren’t enough reasons these days to think about my own mortality, the lovable Pokémon franchise is going to bring it into the Super Bowl on Sunday.
During the NFL’s big game on Sunday, Pokémon is set to showcase something for its 30th anniversary, which comes at the end of this month on Feb. 27. And what better way to feel your age than to realize a franchise you saw the inception of and grew up with is now 30. Oof.
The teaser below features Jigglypuff tuning up for a special performance of some kind, and wow, 30 years of Pokémon, huh? Time really flies when you’re fighting cute animals in bushes and then capturing them into indentured servitude, I guess. Although, I do wonder just what they’ll be showing during the game. Odds are it’s just a “hey, we’re turning 30” PSA, but I feel like there’s a lot of potential for some good puns here.
The halftime show will be performed by Bad Bunny. How about a Bad Scorbunny reference? The game is between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. More like the Patrats vs. the Seadras, right, gang? No? This must be that 30-plus age level of jokes I keep hearing about.
Regardless of what the ad shows, Feb. 27 is a big day for Pokémon, and that’s what gamers are focusing on. For the 30th anniversary, the company has already revealed the first few pricey LEGO sets for the celebration, but all eyes will be on what’s next for the franchise during a special Pokémon Presents live stream.
We could get some updates on existing games like Pokémon TCG Pocket, Pokémon GO, or Pokémon UNITE, or even Pokémon Pokopia which releases in early March. But really, it’s all about the 10th generation of games (leaks say it’ll be called Pokémon Wind and Waves) and whatever else is being cooked up, like the battle-centric Pokémon Champions.
Either way, it’ll be nice to sit on the couch with friends and family and see some Pokémon on the screen. Everyone knows what it is and most millennials around my age have some memories tied to it, so it’ll be a nice breath of fresh air from all the other ads for AI companies, tax services, and beer.
