Pokémon is giving Nike and Adidas a run for its money with the company's first-ever Super Bowl ad. The 70 second commercial features people from all over the world as they all repeat the phrase, "I can do that."
Pikachu and friends take a secondary role in the commercial that feels more like a motivational sports ad. It starts off with a little boy running through the streets, drums pounding as he trains for greatness. The scene then shifts to a girl, who upon seeing the boy running on TV, decides "I can do that." She then becomes a chess champion. The drums continue to pound as the scene then changes to a football team preparing for a big game.
"For 20 years, the Pokémon world has inspired fans to train hard and have fun," J.C. Smith, senior director of Consumer Marketing at The Pokémon Company International, said, according to Variety. "This ad is reflective of that passion, and I can't think of a bigger stage to share this story than the Super Bowl."
The first Pokémon reference isn't even made until 45-seconds into the commercial as a man walks into an arena holding a Poké Ball as he prepares to face Pokémon like Charizard, Magneton and Gyarados.
"This ad explores the infectious nature of accomplishment, inspiring each other to become the very best," Smith says. "All of the hidden Pokémon references we've included in the ad are a salute to past, present, and future Pokémon fans everywhere. Train On."
The Denver Broncos will take on the Carolina Panthers for Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7 on CBS.
Check out the full ad below:
