Pokémon is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, so how better to commemorate the iconic brand than with an inspiring ad to be featured during Super Bowl 50? (Currently sitting north of 60 seconds, the ad will be whittled down to 30 for the Super Bowl broadcast.)
The commercial features a bunch of kids around the world being inspired by other kids, and they whisper “I can do that” before they go out to, indeed, do whatever it is they seek to do. The ad’s intent is to take the viewer back to childhood, when the slightest nudge or encouragement could send you down a different path. Just when you think this is about succeeding on the sports field, you realize it’s not.
The ad culminates in one of the inspired kids becoming a Pokémon master in a stadium full of people. Nintendo, a major shareholder in Pokémon, doesn’t advertise a specific game in the commercial, but instead markets a feeling of nostalgia. At 20 years old, it’s a welcome anniversary gift for the masses.
Enjoy the full-length Super Bowl spot, above.