Rolling Poké Balls: Universal Studios announces new Pokémon Attractions

Pika-Pika! A new world-class Pokémon attraction will first premiere in Japan before an international rollout of the brand.

Universal Destinations & Experiences has divulged plans for an unprecedented interactive Pokémon experience. The characters of Pokémon are no stranger to the theme park world; they’ve long made appearances within Universal Studios Japan’s activities and there’s even an unrelated theme park opening next month by Yomiuriland. Despite the scarcity of details available, this has however been alluded to be a fully fledged new attraction.

“Our collaboration with The Pokémon Company, which captivates the world with its imaginative and innovative content development, gives us the power to create incredible attraction experiences that exceed our guests’ expectations,” says Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “Pokémon is one of the most beloved franchises around the world, and through this ongoing partnership, we will bring the fascinating world of Pokémon to our guests in innovative ways.”

The Japanese attraction unofficially replaces The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, which permanently closed its doors in January 2024 after a year-long farewell campaign. Its closure was brought about only by the expiry of Marvel’s licensing contract with Universal locally, and it remains to be seen whether the ride system will be reused in some capacity. The attraction continues to operate uninhibited at Universal Islands of Adventure.

Universal Studios Japan has lately successfully and very quietly repurposed multiple indoor spaces into new attractions — namely Villain-Con Minion Blast, Snoopy Studio, and Detective Conan — by good fortune of the existing buildings obscuring progress. The first visible outdoor works have only recently begun at Spider-Man, with scaffolding rising around the queue structure. It is plausible that the new Pokémon attraction has neared completion inside.

The move also comes in time for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, to be celebrated next month with no glamor to spare. It also aligns with Universal Studios Japan’s recent strategy to capitalize on gaming and anime brands as opposed to traditional film content, for which executives have projected attendance increases of 15%. The incentive has sent ripples abroad though. In the words of park president Taku Murayama, “Together with Pokémon, we will create an unprecedented, innovative experience. We are very pleased that this global project, which will be shared with the world, will be launched from Universal Studios Japan”.

After its debut in Japan, Pokémon experiences will be rolled out internationally to Universal Destinations & Experiences’ other parks. The confirmation supports speculation that the Universal Orlando Resort will eventually slot a branded attraction into one of their parks, but also leaves the door open towards a separately distinct experience. More details will be divulged in due course.

Universal Orlando had earlier this week also announced Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift — a muscled drifting coaster creation — to open in 2027. The coaster succeeds Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and will combine spinning cars with a 170-foot vertical spike over CityWalk.

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