The possibility of Pokémon becoming Nintendo’s next major expansion for Super Nintendo World is a topic of considerable interest among fans and industry watchers. While Nintendo and Universal have so far focused Super Nintendo World primarily on the Mario franchise and its related properties like Donkey Kong, there are several factors that make Pokémon a strong candidate for future expansion.
Super Nintendo World currently features immersive attractions based on Mario, Donkey Kong, and Yoshi, with the latest expansions including a Donkey Kong-themed area and rides such as Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Mine-Cart Madness. These attractions emphasize interactive experiences and augmented reality, blending Nintendo’s iconic characters with cutting-edge theme park technology[1][2]. The success of these expansions demonstrates Nintendo’s and Universal’s commitment to creating deeply engaging worlds based on their most popular franchises.
Pokémon, as one of Nintendo’s most globally recognized and lucrative franchises, naturally stands out as a prime candidate for a major theme park expansion. The franchise’s vast universe, diverse creatures, and rich lore offer abundant material for immersive attractions, interactive experiences, and themed dining or retail. Pokémon’s appeal spans multiple generations and demographics, making it a valuable intellectual property for theme parks aiming to attract a broad audience.
Currently, there is no official announcement from Nintendo or Universal about a Pokémon-themed expansion within Super Nintendo World or Universal Epic Universe, which is set to open in 2025 with Mario and Donkey Kong attractions[1][2]. However, industry speculation and fan theories often highlight Pokémon as a logical next step. The franchise’s recent and upcoming game releases, such as Pokémon Pokopia for the Nintendo Switch 2 launching in 2026, indicate ongoing investment and growth in the Pokémon brand[6]. This continued popularity supports the idea that Pokémon could be leveraged for a theme park expansion in the near future.
From a practical standpoint, Pokémon’s universe could translate well into a theme park environment. Attractions could include interactive Pokémon battles, exploration of iconic locations like Pallet Town or Lumiose City, and encounters with legendary Pokémon. The franchise’s mechanics, such as collecting and training Pokémon, could be adapted into wearable technology or augmented reality experiences similar to the Power-Up Bands used in Super Nintendo World[2]. This would allow guests to engage with the world in a personalized and dynamic way.
Moreover, Pokémon’s cultural impact and merchandising potential are enormous. The franchise has a well-established global fanbase, extensive media presence, and a wide range of merchandise that could be integrated into a theme park setting. This would create multiple revenue streams beyond ticket sales, including exclusive collectibles, themed food and beverage, and special events.
While other Nintendo properties like The Legend of Zelda are also strong contenders for future expansions due to their popularity and immersive potential[5], Pokémon’s sheer scale and ongoing relevance make it a particularly compelling choice. The challenge for Universal and Nintendo would be to design attractions that capture the essence of Pokémon’s gameplay and storytelling while fitting into the existing Super Nintendo World framework.
In summary, although there is no official confirmation, Pokémon is a highly plausible candidate for Nintendo’s next major Super Nintendo World expansion. Its global popularity, rich universe, and adaptability to interactive theme park experiences align well with the goals and successes of the current Super Nintendo World offerings. Fans and industry observers will likely continue to watch for announcements as Universal Epic Universe develops and as Nintendo expands its portfolio of theme park experiences.
