Universal Studios has announced a major new partnership with The Pokémon Company that will bring the beloved franchise to life through a groundbreaking new theme park attraction. The project, described as a "global development initiative," will premiere at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka before expanding to other locations worldwide.
A World-Class Experience for Pokémon Fans
The new attraction promises to deliver what Universal Studios Japan calls "a hyper-realistic experience that simulates all five senses." This ambitious project aims to transport visitors directly into the Pokémon universe through unprecedented levels of interactivity and immersion. The announcement represents a significant expansion of Universal's relationship with Nintendo, following the successful launches of Super Nintendo World and its Donkey Kong expansion.
Strategic Rollout and Global Ambitions
While the Osaka location will host the attraction first, Universal has confirmed plans to bring the experience to its Orlando, Florida park in the United States at a later date. This phased global rollout strategy mirrors the company's approach with other major franchise attractions, allowing for refinement and adaptation to different markets.
Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company, emphasized the project's significance in a statement: "In this project, we will continue to create new entertainment unique to theme parks as a rich experience in the real world and continue to provide surprises to everyone around the world." He added that the company's mission involves "enriching both the real and virtual worlds through the existence of Pokémon."
Part of Broader Pokémon Celebrations
This theme park announcement forms part of a series of initiatives marking Pokémon's 30th anniversary celebrations. It's important to note that this Universal Studios attraction represents a separate development from PokéPark Kanto, a permanent theme park experience scheduled to open in Tokyo. While specific details about the attraction's features and exact launch date remain confidential, the announcement has already generated significant excitement among Pokémon enthusiasts worldwide.
The collaboration between Universal Studios and The Pokémon Company represents a strategic move to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the franchise while expanding Universal's portfolio of immersive entertainment experiences. As theme parks increasingly compete to offer unique, franchise-based attractions, this partnership positions Universal Studios as a premier destination for Nintendo and Pokémon fans seeking next-generation entertainment experiences.
