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Pokemon30

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<p>MANILA — For many, childhood came with a singular ambition: to become the ultimate Trainer — the very best, like no one ever was.</p><p>Decades later, that dream still lingers, carried in memories of handheld consoles, well-worn trading cards, and afternoons spent chasing creatures in a world where adventure felt boundless.</p><p>Three decades since its debut, Pokemon is celebrating its 30th anniversary this February 2026. What began in 1996 as Pocket Monsters Red and Green on the Nintendo Game Boy in Japan has grown into one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history, expanding into anime, films, trading cards, mobile games, merchandise, and global fan communities that left a lasting imprint across generations. With such milestone, Pokemon is honoring its 30 years of adventure and shared nostalgia through their #Pokemon30 celebration. Every Pokemon is someone’s favorite</p><p>The campaign debuted during Super Bowl XL on February 8, 2026, with a major commercial designed to unite generations of fans through a simple question: “What’s your favorite Pokémon?” The commercial featured celebrities including Lady Gaga, Trevor Noah, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, and Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc who participated by sharing their favorite Pokémon. </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUhMQReDCsQ/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=594&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A64926.70000000298%2C%22ls%22%3A60355.40000000596%2C%22le%22%3A64922%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Pokémon fans were even treated to a playful moment as Lady Gaga shared the stage with her favorite Pokémon, Jigglypuff, performing a short musical bit—aptly consisting of nothing more than the word “Jigglypuff.” (I am surely not sleeping on this moment!)</p><p>Adding to this campaign, Pokemon recently released a special 30th anniversary logo for every individual Pokemon. Yes, all 1,000+ Pokemon, including regional forms such as Alolan and Galarian variants and Paradox Pokemon.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772176935141025.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><strong>Day Out and Night Out events </strong></div><p>Unlike traditional anniversaries marked by a single event, Pokémon30 unfolds across multiple platforms throughout the year.</p><p>Players are experiencing limited-time events and special content across major titles, including Pokémon GO, alongside anniversary-themed releases in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. </p><p>Beyond gaming, the celebration extends into real-world experiences through global fan gatherings, including family-friendly “Day Out” events and “Night Out” activities aimed at adult fans who grew up alongside the series.</p><p>The distinction reflects Pokémon’s rare achievement: remaining relevant to both children discovering it for the first time and adults who never truly left their Pokemon childhood hearts behind. Pokemon will announce <a href="https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/get-ready-to-celebrate-30-years-of-pokemon">more details</a> on both Day Out and Night Out in the future.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Collectibles and concerts</strong></div><p>The Pokémon30 celebration also finds its way into the everyday lives of fans.</p><p>A special 30th anniversary collection released through the Pokémon Center brings together themed apparel, plush toys, collectible figures, trading cards, and limited-edition items.</p><p>The celebration continues online, where Pokémon embraces the digital spaces that now shape modern fandom. </p><p>In January, social media campaigns encouraged fans to share their memories and reconnect with their favorite Pokémon, highlighted by a special music collaboration, Project VOLTAGE, featuring virtual pop icon Hatsune Miku. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>To more years of catching ‘em all </strong></div><p>After nine generations, 1,025 Pokémon, 23 animated films, ten different shows, more than 35 mainline games, and over 200 officially licensed products, Pokémon has proven it’s more than just a game, it’s a companion to childhood itself. </p><p>From Pallet Town to every corner of the globe, from trading cards passed between friends to evenings spent chasing creatures on handheld consoles, Pokémon has grown alongside us. Continually evolving, and capturing our childhood hearts. </p><p>Three decades later, it still sparks the same wonder, the same sense of adventure, and the same memories that first made us believe we could be the very best — like no one ever was.</p>

<p>Pokémon turns 30 this month, celebrating three decades of adventures, nostalgia, and global fandom. From celebrity-packed #Pokemon30 campaigns to special in-game events and real-world fan experiences, the milestone honors a franchise that continues to capture hearts across generations.</p>

Pokémon turns 30 this month, celebrating three decades of adventures, nostalgia, and global fandom. From celebrity-packed #Pokemon30 campaigns to special in-game events and real-world fan experiences, the milestone honors a franchise that continues to capture hearts across generations.

#Pokemon30: 3 decades of catching ‘em all

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#Pokemon30: 3 decades of catching ‘em all

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Eli L. Dela Cruz

Published February 27, 2026 03:30 PM PHT

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