Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson, FlickrThere’s growing frustration among American theme park fans as they watch innovative attractions debut in international parks, while domestic options often feel watered-down or delayed. Parks like Universal Studios Japan and Disney’s overseas locations introduce groundbreaking experiences that incorporate cutting-edge technology, while U.S. parks operate on tighter budgets and with more conservative creative directions.
The contrast is apparent with Universal’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which opened in Japan in 2021 to widespread acclaim, compared to the scaled-back version that didn’t arrive in Hollywood until 2023, with Universal Orlando Resort’s version that debuted in 2025.
Recently, Universal has announced a major Pokémon attraction for Universal Studios Japan, promising it will eventually expand to U.S. parks. This news brings excitement but also familiar disappointment, as American fans again face a wait for a scaled-down experience that emerges years later.
The Universal Studios Japan Announcement
Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company have announced plans to bring what they’re describing as innovative, immersive, and world-class Pokémon experiences to the park. The project represents a significant expansion of Universal Studios Japan’s existing Pokémon offerings, which have included parades and shows since October 2021.
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, framed the collaboration as essential to Universal’s ability to create attractions that exceed guest expectations. The project aims to enhance Universal Studios Japan’s lineup with fan-first, trip-driving characters that justify international travel for theme park enthusiasts.
Tak Murayama, Executive Vice President of Universal Studios Japan, highlighted the park’s Pokémon experiences since 2021 as a bold evolution of their partnership.
Tsunekazu Ishihara, President of The Pokémon Company, mentioned that the project coincides with Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, marking a milestone for the franchise. The goal is to create theme park entertainment that surprises fans and enhances both real and virtual worlds with Pokémon.
What’s Actually Coming to Universal
Specific details about the attraction remain unannounced, with Universal promising further information at a later date. However, speculation suggests the Pokémon experience could take over the closed Spider-Man attraction space at Universal Studios Japan. Another possibility involves replacing Finnegan’s, which has also been closed.
The lack of concrete details leaves substantial questions unanswered. Will this be a major E-ticket dark ride incorporating cutting-edge technology? An interactive experience similar to the gameplay elements featured in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD? A show or theater experience? Multiple smaller attractions creating a Pokémon-themed area? Without specifics, it’s impossible to evaluate the true scope and ambition of what Universal Studios Japan is building.
What is confirmed is that following the Japan debut, Universal Destinations & Experiences plans to offer unique Pokémon experiences across its global footprint, which includes parks in the United States.
The U.S. Park Situation
The announcement of Pokémon experiences coming to U.S. parks after Japan highlights a frustrating pattern for American theme park fans. Japan receives first access to innovative attractions, while U.S. parks face vague promises about future offerings with no clear details on timelines or the nature of the experiences.
Universal could potentially host Pokémon attractions at its various U.S. properties, including Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, though space is limited. EPIC Universe in Orlando, opened in 2025, which features SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and could expand Nintendo-related attractions in future phases.
The key concern is whether U.S. parks will offer the same high-quality experience that Universal Studios Japan provides or if budget and space limitations will lead to scaled-back versions.
The Nintendo Partnership Context
Universal’s broader Nintendo partnership provides context for understanding how Pokémon fits into the company’s theme park strategy. Since announcing the Nintendo alliance, Universal has gradually rolled out Nintendo-themed experiences across its global parks, with Japan consistently receiving the most ambitious implementations first.
Pokémon occupies unique territory within Nintendo’s IP portfolio. While Nintendo owns a significant stake in The Pokémon Company through joint venture partnerships, Pokémon operates somewhat independently with its own corporate structure and licensing arrangements. This complexity may explain why Pokémon took longer to materialize in Universal parks than Mario and other Nintendo properties.
For Universal, adding Pokémon to its theme park offerings represents massive potential. Pokémon is among the highest-grossing media franchises globally, with multi-generational appeal spanning children who discovered the franchise through recent games and adults who grew up with the original Red and Blue versions in the 1990s. Creating compelling Pokémon theme park experiences could drive attendance and generate merchandise sales on par with those of Nintendo’s other properties.
What This Means for Domestic Universal Fans
The announcement of Pokémon attractions coming to Universal parks generates mixed emotions among fans. While the prospect is exciting and validates years of speculation since the Nintendo partnership began, the fact that Japan will debut the attractions first is frustrating for American theme park enthusiasts. They are tired of seeing overseas parks receive premier experiences while U.S. parks get delayed or less impressive versions.
The lack of details about the U.S. implementation raises many questions: Will it be part of the EPIC Universe expansion? Will current attractions be repurposed? Will the U.S. version match Japan’s quality? When will construction start? Without clear answers, fans are left hoping that Universal will invest in its American audience with the same commitment it shows in Japan.
Looking Ahead for Universal
Universal has promised additional details about the Pokémon project at a later date. For now, the announcement confirms that world-class Pokémon attractions are coming to Universal Studios Japan first, with eventual expansion to other parks, including U.S. locations.
Whether this pattern of Japan-first, U.S.-later continues indefinitely or whether Universal eventually commits to simultaneous global rollouts remains to be seen. For American fans, the wait continues.