Beats by Dre has officially teased an upcoming collaboration with the iconic franchise Pokémon. A brief six-second video, shared on the official Beats by Dre YouTube channel, displays the silhouette of the company's Pill speaker surrounded by animated sparks and flames. The teaser, titled “Time to catch something new,” concludes with a stylized Beats logo positioned next to a Poké Ball.
The video does not reveal specific product details or a release date, but strongly suggests a Pokémon-themed iteration of the wireless speaker will be part of the partnership. The prominent electric animations in the teaser point towards a likely focus on Pikachu, Pokémon's most recognizable mascot. Unconfirmed images of a bright yellow, Pikachu-inspired speaker have already begun circulating online, further supporting this theory. Additionally, the flaming purple animations could indicate a second design, potentially drawing inspiration from the Pokémon Gengar.
The standard Beats Pill speaker is currently priced at $149.99. A full reveal of the Pokémon x Beats collaboration, including release details, is anticipated in the coming weeks.
This collaboration arrives as Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary, a milestone that has seen the franchise engage in numerous partnerships across various industries. Previous collaborations include themed PC gaming accessories from Razer, Crocs footwear adorned with Pokémon designs, and extensive merchandise collections with retailers like Target. Despite the brand's current popularity, the ongoing issues with scalping in the Pokémon Trading Card Game market have unfortunately cast a shadow over other Pokémon-related ventures, with some early reactions to the Beats teaser already expressing cynicism.
Beats by Dre, a subsidiary of Apple, originally launched the Beats Pill speaker in 2012. The product has undergone several updates, with a 2024 re-release emphasizing portability and enhanced power. Collaborations remain a key focus for the brand, which has recently partnered with artists and personalities such as Jennie of Blackpink and Kim Kardashian for unique themed product lines.