Pokemon has decided to collab with ITZY, a five-member girl group affiliated with JYP Entertainment.

As a first step in the collaboration, a new commercial featuring ITZY as well as a making-of video and a TikTok video will be released on February 9  for the Nintendo Switch game Pokemon Legends Arceus, which will go on sale on January 28.

It is also confirmed that ITZY will further appear in commercials and events for other Pokemon media, including Pokemon Unite and the Pokemon Trading Card Game.

The band’s hit song “WANNABE,” which has garnered over 400 million views on YouTube, has been chosen as the tie-up song.  

In a short interview, the band members have also personally commented about their excitement to be collaborating with Pokemon.

What did you think when you decided to tie up with Pokemon?

Yeaji: I was happy to hear that I could work with Pokemon, which is known by many people and which have loved since I was a child.

Chae-ryong: I’m very happy to be working on Pokemon! I’ve been watching it since I was a kid, so I feel nostalgic and honored at the same time!

YoonA: I’m really happy that we decided to tie up with Pokemon. Please give me much anticipation and love for the future with my very, very favorite Pokemon and their friends~!

What is your favorite Pokemon? What is your favorite Pokemon?

Leah: I used to like Snorlax but I fell in love with Eevee during this shoot… (laughs)

Chae-ryong: My favorite Pokémon is Eevee! I think it’s beautiful with its sparkling eyes!

What are your memories of Pokemon?

Yeaji: I’ve been told a few times that I look like Eevee. It made me happy because Eevee is one of my favorite Pokemon!

Leah: When I was a kid, I would always watch Pokemon in front of the TV every morning. It was my routine for the day!

Lujin: When I was playing games as a child, my parents got angry with me because I was playing too much for fun.

Like many people, it seems that the group all have a long history with Pokemon and are excited to be working with the franchise.

Pokemon Legends Arceus will release on the 28th of January 2022.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Gamefreak

Release Date TBC

Nintendo Switch

Featured in the Sinnoh region, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a new approach to the Pokémon video game series, promised to break new ground for the Pokémon series! This open-world RPG is coming to Nintendo Switch in early 2022. Showcased in the teaser, there will be a number of iconic monsters including Piplup. There will be a choice of starters including Rowlet, Oshawott, and Cyndaquil.