Summary:
The Pokémon Company’s 30th anniversary celebration is opening with a question that feels small, but lands big: “What’s Your Favorite?” The special video puts that idea front and center, pairing familiar Pokémon faces with a very modern kind of spotlight – celebrities who grew up in the same world of trading cards, Saturday mornings, and schoolyard debates. The result is a quick, shareable moment that still manages to say something real: Pokémon has always been less about a single “best” choice and more about personal connection. One person sees comfort, another sees confidence, another sees pure comedic chaos, and somehow all of those answers fit under the same banner.
We see that theme play out through well-known names like Lady Gaga, Trevor Noah, Jisoo, and Charles Leclerc, each linking themselves to a favorite Pokémon in a way that feels approachable rather than scripted. It is not about flexing trivia, it is about identity – the kind that forms when a franchise is old enough to follow fans from childhood into adult life. The campaign also nudges the community to join in, using #Pokemon30 and official celebration hubs that tie the video into a bigger anniversary year. If you have ever defended your favorite Pokémon like it was a life choice, this is that feeling in video form – and it is inviting everyone back to the same table for another round of friendly arguing.
What “What’s Your Favorite?” is really asking
On the surface, “What’s your favorite Pokémon?” sounds like the easiest question in the world. Pick the cute one, the cool one, the one that carried your team, and move on. But Pokémon fans know it is never that simple, because the question is basically a shortcut into your whole history with the series. Your answer can reveal what generation you started with, what kind of stories you like, and whether you are the type of person who chooses vibes over power, or power over everything else. The 30th anniversary video leans into that emotional truth instead of trying to over-explain itself. It treats the question like a universal handshake. If you have watched even one episode, opened even one pack, or battled even one gym, you have an answer – and you probably have a reason you can talk about for way too long.
Why Pokémon’s 30th anniversary moment hits differently
Thirty years is long enough for Pokémon to feel like a shared language across age groups, cultures, and even totally different hobbies. Some people came in through the games, others through the animated series, others through trading cards, and plenty of fans entered through memes before they ever touched a console. That is why the anniversary framing matters here. The campaign is not only celebrating the brand being “old,” it is celebrating the fact that Pokémon has stayed present while people’s lives changed around it. The video’s tone fits that reality. It is quick, friendly, and designed to be passed around, like a modern version of the schoolyard question that started countless debates. It also makes the anniversary feel like a living thing happening right now, not a museum plaque you read once and forget.
The celebrity lineup and what it signals
Putting recognizable faces in a Pokémon celebration can sometimes feel like a marketing stunt, but “What’s Your Favorite?” plays it more like a group chat than a billboard. The celebrity picks are the hook, sure, yet the bigger message is that Pokémon fandom is wide enough to include pretty much everyone. The video features names like Lady Gaga, Trevor Noah, Jisoo, and Charles Leclerc, and that range matters because it mirrors how Pokémon itself works. There is no single “correct” way to be a fan. Some fans are competitive battlers, others just want a cozy adventure, others collect, trade, or simply love the character designs. By letting celebrities take the same question fans have been asking for decades, the video makes the audience feel like they are in the same conversation, not being talked down to from a stage.
Why “favorite” is the perfect word choice
Notice how the campaign does not ask for the strongest Pokémon, the rarest Pokémon, or the most popular Pokémon. It asks for your favorite, which is a softer word that gives everyone permission to be sentimental. Favorite can mean “this one saved my team,” but it can also mean “this one made me laugh,” or “this one looks like my mood on Mondays.” That flexibility is exactly why the question scales globally. It avoids gatekeeping and invites personal stories, even from people who are not up to date on every generation. In a world where fandom can sometimes turn into a competition, “favorite” is a reminder that liking something is allowed to be simple, emotional, and slightly irrational – like choosing a sandwich you love even if it is not the most nutritious thing on the menu.
Lady Gaga and the joy of a surprising pick
Lady Gaga’s appearance is one of the headline moments, and it works because it leans into the playful side of Pokémon fandom. Her favorite Pokémon is presented as Jigglypuff, which is the kind of pick that immediately makes people smile and start debating. It is cute, iconic, and also a tiny chaos agent if you remember what happens when it sings. That choice fits the campaign’s tone perfectly because it is memorable without needing a long explanation. It also reminds us that favorites are often tied to personality, not stats. Jigglypuff is not a “look how serious I am” pick, it is a “this makes me happy” pick. And honestly, for an anniversary celebration, that kind of joy is the whole point.
What Jigglypuff represents for fans
Jigglypuff is a great example of how Pokémon characters can become cultural shorthand. Even people who do not play the games often recognize it, because it has been part of the wider Pokémon image for so long. Fans associate it with cuteness, comedy, and that classic gag of putting everyone to sleep. Choosing Jigglypuff says you value personality and charm, and it also signals a love for the franchise’s lighter moments. Pokémon is full of big battles and legendary lore, but it is also full of silly scenes and warmhearted humor. Jigglypuff sits right in that sweet spot, like a tiny reminder that Pokémon has always known how to make people laugh while still building a world fans take seriously.
Trevor Noah and the “relatable chaos” Pokémon
Trevor Noah’s favorite is presented as Psyduck, and if you have ever felt overwhelmed by life while still trying to function, that pick makes instant sense. Psyduck is basically anxiety in Pokémon form, but in the most lovable way possible. It is not the cool, perfectly composed mascot type – it is the one that looks confused, gets headaches, and then accidentally does something powerful. That combination makes Psyduck easy to root for. The campaign benefits from picks like this because they feel grounded. Not everyone connects with the “ultimate dragon” fantasy. Sometimes you connect with the duck that looks like it needs a nap and a glass of water.
Why Psyduck has stayed iconic for decades
Psyduck has survived multiple eras of Pokémon popularity because it is both funny and strangely human. You can project a lot onto it: stress, confusion, accidental brilliance, and that constant vibe of “I am trying my best.” In a fandom full of sleek final evolutions, Psyduck stands out by being awkward and honest. It is also a reminder that Pokémon has always been good at character design that communicates emotion instantly. You do not need a biography to understand Psyduck – you can read it in the face. That is why it keeps showing up in conversations, merchandise, and now anniversary moments like this one.
Jisoo, Eevee, and the art of being many things
Jisoo’s inclusion adds to the campaign’s global feel, and pairing her with a favorite like Eevee fits the theme of personal connection. Eevee is one of those Pokémon that can mean different things to different fans. For some, it is pure cuteness. For others, it is choice and possibility, because Eevee is famous for branching into multiple evolutions. That “many paths” idea is easy to relate to, especially when you think about how people grow and change over time. The campaign does not need to spell this out in a heavy way. Eevee does the storytelling on its own, because fans already understand what it symbolizes: potential, flexibility, and the excitement of deciding who you want to become next.
Eevee’s evolutions as a metaphor fans instantly get
Eevee is basically the Pokémon version of standing at a crossroads with a backpack and a big dream. Do you go with the calm, watery route, the electric burst of energy, the icy cool, the psychic glow, or something darker and moodier? The evolutions are not just forms, they are vibes, and that makes Eevee one of the most “shareable” favorites imaginable. People can see themselves in the choice, and they can also argue about the choice, which is half the fun. It is the kind of favorite that starts conversations, not because it is rare, but because it is relatable. That is exactly what a community-driven anniversary campaign wants.
Charles Leclerc and the need for speed
Charles Leclerc’s favorite Pokémon is presented as Arcanine, and it lands with that immediate “yeah, that tracks” energy. Arcanine has always been associated with speed, loyalty, and that powerful, heroic look that makes it feel like it could sprint straight out of a legend. It is a fan-favorite for a reason. Arcanine sits in a space where it looks intimidating, but also warm, like the kind of powerhouse you would trust rather than fear. Including a pick like Arcanine helps balance the campaign’s emotional palette. You have cute, you have comedic, you have adaptable, and you also have the “ride into battle” energy. It shows that favorites are not one flavor. They are a whole menu.
Why Arcanine still feels timeless
Arcanine has been around since the early days, yet it never feels outdated because its design communicates classic themes that always work: bravery, companionship, and raw momentum. Even if you have not used Arcanine in a party recently, you probably remember seeing it and thinking, “That one looks important.” It is the kind of Pokémon that feels like it belongs in myths, which is why it can appeal to fans who love the fantasy side of Pokémon more than the slice-of-life side. In a campaign built around favorites, Arcanine represents the idea that some Pokémon are chosen because they feel like a promise – the promise that you can face anything if you have the right partner beside you.
How the video plays like a love letter to fans
The smartest thing “What’s Your Favorite?” does is keep the format simple. It does not overload you with lore, dates, or a checklist of achievements. It just shows people answering the question, which makes it feel like a tribute built from the audience outward. That approach works especially well for a 30th anniversary because Pokémon’s legacy is not only about sales or release timelines. It is about the tiny moments fans remember: trading at lunch, naming a starter, pulling a card you could not stop staring at, or getting your first big win. The video taps into that memory bank without forcing it. It lets the audience do the emotional work, and that is why it sticks. Sometimes the most effective celebration is just reminding everyone what they already love.
How to join the celebration with #Pokemon30
The campaign is not framed as “watch and move on,” it is framed as “watch and answer.” That is where #Pokemon30 comes in. The anniversary push encourages fans to share their own favorites in a way that is easy to participate in, even if you are not currently grinding levels in the newest game. You can make it as casual or as nerdy as you want. You can post a single name and a heart emoji, or you can write a whole story about why a specific Pokémon got you through a rough time. The point is that everyone is invited, and the question is designed to make sharing feel natural, not forced. If you have ever wanted an excuse to shout out your favorite Pokémon without seeming random, congratulations – the calendar has finally caught up with your personality.
A simple prompt that turns into thousands of stories
One of the fun things about Pokémon is that it turns people into storytellers without them noticing. Ask someone their favorite and they often respond with a memory, not just a name. That is a powerful effect for an anniversary year because it creates community energy without needing a complicated rulebook. It also makes the celebration feel more personal than a typical branded event. Instead of “here is what we are doing,” it becomes “here is what we all feel.” The question works like a match to dry kindling – one spark, and suddenly you have a bonfire of nostalgia, jokes, debates, and friendly arguments about why your choice is obviously the correct one.
Pokémon GO’s role in turning a question into a shareable moment
Pokémon GO is positioned as one of the easiest ways to participate, because it already lives on the same device you use to share your life. The anniversary hub tied to Pokémon 30 highlights a “What’s Your Favorite?” option that lets fans create and share snapshots themed around their chosen Pokémon. That matters because it lowers the barrier to joining in. You do not need a full console setup or a long play session to participate. You just need a favorite and a willingness to press a few buttons. The campaign’s whole vibe is “bring your favorite Pokémon into the world with you,” and Pokémon GO is literally built to do that. It turns the anniversary question into something visual, personal, and easy to spread across social platforms.
Quick checklist before you share
If you are joining in, keep it fun and keep it you. Pick the Pokémon you genuinely love, not the one you think will get the most likes. Add a sentence about why it is your favorite, because that is where the personality comes through. If you are using a photo feature, be mindful of your surroundings and do not turn a cute snapshot into a real-world hazard. And if you see someone else’s favorite and it is wildly different from yours, treat it like a playlist recommendation: you do not have to agree, but you can respect the taste. Pokémon is at its best when the community feels welcoming, not competitive.
Keeping it fun, respectful, and spoiler-free as a community
A campaign like this thrives on sharing, but the tone of that sharing matters. Favorites can be surprisingly personal. For some people, a Pokémon is tied to a childhood memory, a friendship, or even a tough period where comfort media helped them get through the day. That is why it helps to treat the question with a little kindness. Debate is part of the fun, but it should feel like playful banter, not a comment-section fight over who is “right.” Also, because Pokémon is always ongoing, it is worth being careful with spoilers when you talk about favorites tied to newer games or newer story moments. The best kind of anniversary celebration is the one that makes more people want to join in, not the one that makes them mute the topic for a week.
What to watch for next during the anniversary year
“What’s Your Favorite?” feels like the kickoff, not the finale. The framing of a yearlong celebration suggests more moments where fans will be invited to participate, share, and show up in different ways. The official Pokémon news channels and the Pokémon 30 hub are the places to keep an eye on for updates tied to the campaign. The big takeaway is that the 30th anniversary is being built around community expression rather than a single one-time announcement. That is a smart move because Pokémon’s strength has always been its ability to live in people’s daily lives, whether through games, cards, mobile play, or pure nostalgia. If this kickoff is any indication, the anniversary year is aiming to feel like a rolling celebration where the audience is part of the spotlight.
Conclusion
Pokémon’s “What’s Your Favorite?” video works because it treats the fanbase like the main event. The celebrity picks are fun, but the real hook is the question itself, because it is the same question fans have been asking for decades, now dressed up for a 30th anniversary stage. Whether your favorite is Jigglypuff, Psyduck, Eevee, Arcanine, or something totally unexpected, the campaign is basically giving you permission to be loudly sentimental. And honestly, that is what a 30th anniversary should feel like. Not stiff, not distant, not overly serious – just a big, warm reminder that Pokémon is still here because the connection is still real.
FAQs
- What is the “What’s Your Favorite?” video?
- It is a special Pokémon 30th anniversary video that features celebrities and fans answering the question “What’s your favorite Pokémon?” as part of the #Pokemon30 celebration.
- Which celebrities appear in the video?
- The video features a lineup that includes Lady Gaga, Trevor Noah, Jisoo, and Charles Leclerc, among others, each sharing their favorite Pokémon.
- Where can we watch the full video?
- The full “What’s Your Favorite? | #Pokemon30” video is available on the official Pokémon YouTube channel.
- How can we participate in #Pokemon30?
- You can share your favorite Pokémon on social media using #Pokemon30 and follow the official Pokémon 30 hub for campaign activities and participation options.
- Do we need to be a long-time fan to join in?
- No. The campaign is designed so anyone can answer the question, whether you have followed Pokémon for decades or only recognize a few Pokémon by name.
Sources
- What’s Your Favorite? | #Pokemon30, YouTube (Official Pokémon channel), February 2026
- Get Ready to Celebrate 30 Years of Pokémon, Pokemon.com, February 2026
- Pokémon 30, 30.pokemon.com, February 2026
- Lady Gaga, Trevor Noah and More Celebrities Reveal Their Favorite Pokémon in 2026 Super Bowl Commercial, People, February 9, 2026
- Pokémon Unveils Massive, Yearlong ‘What’s Your Favorite?’ Campaign Commemorating 30 Years of the Iconic Franchise, Yahoo Finance, February 9, 2026
