Universal Studios will bring Pokémon to theme parks

Universal Studios’ theme park in Japan will be adding Pokémon attractions to the park, Universal Studios and The Pokémon Company shared in a news release Wednesday. Beginning in 2022, the two companies will enter a “long-term partnership” to explore new entertainment to immerse park guests in the world of Pokémon. The new attractions will combine real and virtual experiences to create a new “revolutionary” park experience, according to the release.

“Pokémon is beloved by fans around the world. We are honored to have a long-term partnership with The Pokémon Company while developing groundbreaking Pokémon entertainment at Universal Studios Japan for both Pokémon fans and our guests,” J.L. Bonnier, President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan said it in a statement.

However, the release didn’t comment on specific plans to offer guests rides or other experiences. Fans will have to wait for more details.

Pokémon won’t be the only Nintendo series that has a location in the park. The Universal Studios Japan located in Osaka opened Super Nintendo World in March 2021, which is home to a variety of attractions based off Mario games like a Mario Kart and a Yoshi’s Adventure ride. Universal Studios already plans to expand the Nintendo area of the park with the addition of a Donkey Kong zone in 2024.

There are also plans to bring a version of Super Nintendo World to Universal Studios’ Hollywood and Orlando parks. However, Orlando’s version has been pushed back until 2025 following COVID—19-related delays.