Pokémon is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year in a variety of ways, with the latest being a special Super Bowl commercial. The Pokémon Company released the ad in advance of Feb. 7's big game, which you can watch above.
The 60-second spot — which will also run during the 6:30 p.m. Super Bowl 50 broadcast — takes an international look at the massive franchise, focusing on trainers from around the globe before landing on a CGI Pokémon-filled football field. Favorites like Charizard and Pikachu make brief appearances before viewers are invited to check out the rest of the series' anniversary celebrations at its special website.
The Pokémon 20 website features fan messages about their love for the popular role-playing games, including memories from across its lifespan. There are also Pokémon shout-outs from celebrities, or "featured trainers."
When the series officially turns 20 on Feb. 27, Nintendo will celebrate with a 3DS Virtual Console relaunch of the original Game Boy games, Red, Blue and Yellow. A New Nintendo 3DS bundle including both Red and Blue and swappable faceplates will also be available at retail that day.
The Pokémon Company will also be releasing other anniversary-themed products throughout 2016 — like rare Pokémon to download in-game — in honor of its franchise's milestone.
UpdateL The Pokémon Company confirmed in a press release that the above commercial is an extended version of the 30-second ad that will run on Feb. 7. It will also be featured in a special broadcast dedicated to the Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials on CBS at 8 p.m. That program will include a behind-the-scenes look at the commercial's production.
