Universal Studios Is Adding Pokemon In 2022
What, Mario and Donkey Kong aren't enough for you? While Universal Studios Japan has already promised a Donkey Kong-themed expansion to its Super Nintendo World Park, those adorable Pocket Monsters have just leapfrogged the barrel-throwing ape. That's right, Pokemon attractions are coming to Universal Studios.
The tease of Super Nintendo World was a long one, and after years of development, we finally opened the doors to the Mushroom Kingdom in 2021 - following a delay over COVID-19. This is clearly just the tip of the gaming iceberg, as a possible Pokemon land could be next on the cards.
When are Pokemon coming to Universal Studios?
A statement from Universal reads, "Universal Studios Japan and The Pokemon Company will enter a long-term partnership to jointly explore ground-breaking entertainment that will immerse guests into the world of Pokemon with innovative technology and creativity beginning in 2022". Unfortunately, the rather rapid release date means we probably won't be getting a full-blown Kanto region being built within Universal.
Hyping the frankly brilliant union between Universal Studios and Pokemon, Universal Studios Japan president and CEO J.L. Bonnier said, "We are honoured to have a long-term partnership with The Pokemon Company while developing ground-breaking Pokemon entertainment at Universal Studios Japan for both Pokemon fans and our guests"
"The globally popular Pokemon characters combined with Universal’s innovative approach to creating authentic and one-of-a-kind theme park entertainment promise excitement for the entire family." Considering the merchandising alone from Pokemon, we imagine it won't be long before someone is running around Universal in a giant Detective Pikachu costume while being kicked by kids.
Still, both sides have stopped short of actually confirming what's on the way. The Pokemon Company president and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara concluded: "The incredible team at Universal Studios Japan have the creative vision and leading expertise in world-class theme park technology to imagine a uniquely Pokemon experience."
When will we know more about the Pokemon collaboration?
Remembering that the Donkey Kong expansion won't open until at least 2024, we'd guess the Pokemon integration will be a slow one at first. Whether it's a Poke-parade, a VR experience, or merely a pop-up shop, don't expect a Gyrados water ride or Charizard roller coaster to suddenly appear overnight at Universal.
Although the theme park giant is yet to lift the lid on what Pokemon celebrations are coming, there's a sense of justice that it's been announced as part of Pokemon's 25th anniversary in 2021. It's hard to believe it's been a quarter of a century since we first picked between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, but as the franchise continues to boom, don't expect Pokemon to be going anywhere.
Universal has some serious notches on its belt these days. Alongside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Mario, a Pokemon partnership could be one for the ages. Either way, we're suitably pumped to see whether the Poke-Verse will extend to the Universal theme parks around the globe.
