Pokémon brought to life as Universal Studios adds 'world-class' attraction

Universal Studios is preparing to roll out a ‘world-class’ Pokémon attraction globally, with Japan first in line.

The park is already home to Super Nintendo World and its Donkey Kong expansion, and will soon welcome another iconic franchise — cementing its status as a haven for Nintendo superfans.

In a statement announcing the new venture, Universal Studio Japan teases it will offer "a hyper-realistic experience that simulates all five senses" while bringing "the Pokémon world to life in an unprecedentedly interactive and rich way".

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The experience will appear first at the Osaka theme park, before rolling out to the United States site in Orlando, Florida at a later date.

"In this project, we will continue to create new entertainment unique to theme parks as a rich experience in the real world and continue to provide surprises to everyone around the world," said Pokémon Company CEO, Tsunekazu Ishihara.

"Our mission is to enrich both the real and virtual worlds through the existence of Pokémon, and we produce Pokémon every day.

"With this project, too, we hope to create new entertainment that is unique to theme parks, as a rich experience in the real world, and continue to provide surprises to people all over the world."

It’s one of several Pokémon projects announced this year to mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary, and is separate from PokéPark Kanto — a permanent theme park experience coming to Tokyo.

Details on what the attraction will feature and its launch date remain under wraps, but excitement is already building for a global Pokémon celebration.