Immersive Pokémon experience coming to Universal Studios theme parks worldwide; “hyper-realistic” project to debut first in Japan

The Pokémon Company is continuing their relationship with Universal Studios Japan, with both companies announcing a new Pokémon experience coming to the theme park. While the exact nature of the collaboration has not yet been revealed, the companies say that it will first debut at Universal Studios Japan, but is planned to expand to their locations across the globe, including Universal Studios Orlando.

Details are sparse on the new collab. Universal Studios Japan describes it as “an unprecedented interactive Pokémon experience,” while Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of the Pokémon Company, says it serves their mission, ”to enrich both the real and virtual worlds through Pokémon.” This is one of many collaboration announcements in celebration of the Pokémon franchise’s upcoming 30th anniversary.

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, says:
The Pokémon Company is one of the most beloved interactive franchises in the world, and through our ongoing partnership, we will continue bringing its vibrant world to life in new and innovative ways for years to come.

The Pokémon Company and Universal Studios Japan have been collaborating since 2021 for smaller or temporary experiences like parades and Pokémon-themed Halloween events. More broadly, multiple Universal Studios theme parks worldwide have opened Super Nintendo World areas, which come heavily themed in Mario and Donkey Kong elements.

No reveal or opening date for the new Pokémon experience has been announced, nor are any previews or mockups available. In the meantime, the first permanent Pokémon theme park, Poké Park Kanto, will be opening in Yomimuriland in Tokyo on February 6th.