Universal Studios teases Pokemon ride
The collaboration between Universal Studios and The Pokemon Company could see a new Pokemon ride expand the theme park in Japan.
20th Jun 2023 11:19
The Pokemon Company | Universal
Universal Studios teases Pokemon ride
The collaboration between Universal Studios and The Pokemon Company could see a new Pokemon ride expand the theme park in Japan.
20th Jun 2023 11:19
The Pokemon Company | Universal
Have you ever dreamed of exploring the haunted Lavender Town tower, riding the back of a Miraidon on a high-adrenaline coaster, or spinning around on a Sinistea-themed teacup ride? Now, a collaboration between Universal Studios and the Pokemon franchise could see all of them happen... and more.
While many think Disney is the king of the theme park castle, Universal has made its mark over the years with its collaborations. First snagging the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it's since started its rollout of Mario theme parks worldwide. Now, it's time for those Pocket Monsters to break free from the Pokeball.
Is Universal Studios Japan working with Pokemon?
As a bit of background, Nintendo looks like Universal's new golden goose. Following the success of Super Nintendo Land in Japan, a second site opened in Hollywood, with more planned for Singapore and Orlando. A Donkey Kong expansion is on the way, but this isn't the end of Nintendo collaborations.
Bringing the world of Pokemon to Universal makes a lot of sense, and in 2021, the pair announced a deal to work together on "entertainment projects to immerse you in the world of Pokemon," although it has only involved putting Pokemon in the daily No Limit parade.
Teasing the future of the partnership, tongues have been set wagging by the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) conference, which is currently happening in Singapore. Effectively the theme park version of E3, it's where manufacturers get to show off their biggest and best.
Theme park blog TDRExplorer shared shots of a trackless dark ride from Sansei Technologies. The company has previously worked with both Universal Studios and Disney in the past. It's a generic ride, but the account guesses it's to keep its purpose a secret, speculating this is a Pokemon ride at Universal Studios Japan.
What is this mystery ride?
For a while now, there have been whispers of a Pokemon ride taking over Universal Studios Japan's Spider-Man ride. Although this isn't some wild roller coaster, the idea of a trackless ride has us thinking of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Similar to how Super Nintendo World started in Japan before moving to other territories, Universal looks like a testing ground for this kind of thing. We're not quite getting a full Pokemon Land yet, but we can only dream of the possibilities.
Imagine riding your favour Pokecoaster and then stopping by the Pokemon Centre for some Jigglypuff Candyfloss, some Charizard hot wings, and a cool Vanillite ice cream. If we get a Pokemon ride at Universal, it could be the start of something massive. It's about time.
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
