After years of rumors,  Pokémon is finally coming to Universal theme parks. It was announced on January 22, 2026 that the Pokémon IP will debut in Japan, but is then “Universal Destinations & Experiences will deliver unique Pokémon experiences across the company’s global footprint”. There were no dates, rides or attractions announced and this is probably a couple years out in Japan and probably 2029 or later in the United States. The release was very simple and vague, but it got the point across that Pokémon is coming!

Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company today announced their plan to offer more innovative, immersive, and world-class Pokémon experiences. The project is part of Universal Studios Japan’s ongoing effort to enhance its offerings and bring fan-first, trip-driving characters to the park. Universal Studios Japan is proud to build on its prior success and bring to life the world of Pokémon in new and enriching ways for the first time. Following its debut in Japan, Universal Destinations & Experiences will deliver unique Pokémon experiences across the company’s global footprint. Further details about the project will be announced at a later date.

https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/universal-studios-japan-to-deliver-immersive-pokemon-experiences-for-fans/

With regard to the American market a Pokémon area has long been rumored to be a replacement for the Simpson’s IP at Universal Studios Florida which is rumored to expire in 2028. This timing would be about perfect to allow an initial opening in Japan and a 2029 United States opening. With the opening of Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift opening in 2027 it also slots nicely. With the opening of Hollywood Drift, Universal will be closing Fast & Furious Supercharged in 2027, so it could be available as a dark ride space, but other things are rumored to take its place. It appears too the Universal wants to build more of an immersive themed land than just an attraction, but if they took out the Fear Factor theater area, as rumored, it would be a sizable area. There’s also several expansion pads at Epic Universe including one adjacent to Nintendo World. Finally there’s Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the former The Lost Continent area slated demolition according to permits. It’s nearly 8 acres which is more than enough room for a major new themed land, but this is rumored to be another Nintendo property in Zelda.

Once Universal began working with Nintento Pokémon coming to the parks as well seemed inevitable. Pokémon is jointly owned by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures who have created “The Pokémon Company” or (TPC). TPC has had a long-term alliance with Universal since 2021 and collaborated with Universal Studios Japan to produce authentic Pokémon experiences such as the NO LIMIT! Parade and Halloween shows. It appears the NO LIMIT! theme will be continuing with this new expansion.

Interestingly there is a Pokémon area opening in another Japanese theme park February 5, 2025 with the opening of PokéPark KANTO! This area is at Yomiuriland, an amusement park located in greater Tokyo, and is over 26,000 square meters in size. PokéPark KANTO will be the first-ever permanent outdoor Pokémon attraction, but appears more of an interactive walk through without typical theme park rides or attractions (as can be seen in the PokéPark KANTO promotional video). It’s not yet known how this will mesh with Universal’s new land. It’s possible PokéPark KANTO is temporary and won’t exist when Universal’s area opens or Nintendo and PTC could have simply worked an exception into the contract with Universal similar to how Bluey now exists in Disney and Alton Towers owned by Merlin.

This year is the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, so this is an IP that has longevity and is bordering on nostalgic for a large group of young adults. There’s big money in nostalgia as parents look to share the characters and stories of their youth with their children. Pokémon was born in Japan, so its debut there makes sense just as Universal Japan built the first Nintendo World, however no doubt every geography will see this amazing IP sooner rather than later. There is “NO LIMIT!” to what Universal might be able to do with the Pokémon IP in the coming years.