Universal Studios Bringing ‘Pokémon World to Life’ as It Rolls Out ‘World-Class’ Attraction In Global Locations

A “world-class” Pokémon attraction is coming to Universal Studios’ chain of theme parks, offering an interactive experience hopes to “stimulate all five senses.”

While it’s unclear if this will be part of Super Nintendo World or be a section of the park in its own right, the “global development project” will first launch in Osaka, Japan, and then be delivered “across the company’s global footprint” and “bring the Pokémon world to life in an unprecedented interactive and rich way.”

“Since announcing our medium- to long-term alliance in 2021, we have collaborated with Universal Studios Japan’s outstanding creative vision and world-class technical capabilities to produce a variety of ‘real-life Pokémon experiences,’ including the NO LIMIT! Parade and Halloween show,” The Pokémon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara said (thanks, Nintendo Life).

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, and we are extremely pleased to be able to fully launch this new project with you all at this major milestone. Our mission is to enrich both the real and virtual worlds through the existence of Pokémon, and we produce Pokémon every day. With this project, too, we hope to create new entertainment that is unique to theme parks, as a rich experience in the real world, and continue to provide surprises to people all over the world.”

It follows previous expansions across Japan’s Universal Studios’ parks, such as Donkey Kong Country in 2024, based on one of Nintendo’s oldest mascots and boasting a rail-jumping rollercoaster, themed food, and exclusive merch. Part of Super Nintendo World, it starts as a brick tunnel but devolves into crooked rocks as you emerge into the jungle.

We thought Super Nintendo World was Amazing, awarding it 9/10 when we visited in 2022, writing: “Super Nintendo World brilliantly reinvents and gamifies the theme park experience, while offering an unprecedented level of immersion and – most importantly – fun. It’s a fitting tribute to Super Mario on the series’ 35th anniversary that will fill your heart with joy.”

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.