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The Pokemon Company and Universal Studios have announced a partnership that will bring Pokemon to its park in Japan starting in 2022.
The Pokemon Company has done business with just about everyone by this point, making Pokemon one of the most well-known franchises in the world. You can even buy Oreos with Pokemon on them right now, although you might have a hard time finding them. Scalpers have been buying them up and selling the cookies for an inflated price.
Thankfully, they won't be able to do that with Pokemon's next partnership. Universal Studios Japan revealed this week it is teaming up with The Pokemon Company to bring Pikachu and the gang to its park in Osaka. Details as to how exactly that will happen are yet to be revealed, but the ongoing partnership kicks off in 2022.
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“This strategic alliance with Universal Studios Japan reflects our commitment to continue delivering the joy of Pokemon in ever-evolving ways for years to come,” a statement from The Pokemon Company's CEO reads. That could mean Pokemon rides at some point in the future, but in the short term probably means other Pokemon-themed items, such as food and merchandise, will likely be introduced to the park starting next year.
It's also possible Pokemon follows in Mario's footsteps and gets a corner of Universal's Osaka park to call its very own. Super Nintendo World finally opened to the public earlier this year following a number of delays. It will be getting a Donkey Kong expansion in 2024, something that was teased via a mysterious door in the corner of the park and officially revealed last month.
This partnership is the latest in a very long list of things The Pokemon Company has done to celebrate turning 25. Celebrations have included new games, a song from Katy Perry, and Pokemon cards in McDonald's Happy Meals. Fans have been spoiled this year and will continue to be into next year with Legends: Arceus and now whatever Universal has planned to look forward to. Fingers crossed that, like Mario, Universal's Pokemon elements eventually extend to its parks in the US.
Source: Serebii