“A theme park and not a new game…”

On July 22, 2025, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company introduced PokéPark KANTO, a brand-new outside Pokémon attraction set to open in early 2026. The park, positioned inside Tokyo’s Yomiuriland within the scenic Tama Hills, spans 26K sq. meters (simply shy of 280K sq. ft) and options each pure and themed environments. 

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Fans can encounter over 600 Pokémon all through the expertise in Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town. According to the press launch, “The Pokémon Forest is a spacious wilderness spanning nearly 500 meters in length. It features various terrains including hilly paths, tall grass, tunnels, rocky trails, and more.”

Described as a Trainers’ Area, the park invitations guests to “embark on an unforgettable adventure” via the pure panorama and immersive city settings. Sedge Town will provide themed outlets, a Pokémon Center, and points of interest like a Pokémon parade and fitness center. Advance tickets are anticipated to go on sale later this 12 months.

Fans have combined reactions

Although the announcement had all of the makings of a serious reveal, many followers have been fast to precise frustration. Almost instantly after the reveal, social media lit up with opinions concerning the new theme park. A serious supply of disappointment? Many assumed the announcement was for a brand new online game.

The firm’s most up-to-date Pokémon recreation got here out in 2022. Pokémon followers have been eagerly ready for information about what’s subsequent. The sudden reveal of a theme park, slightly than a recreation trailer, led to confusion and frustration. Interestingly, nonetheless, the corporate additionally introduced extra details about its October 2025 launch, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the identical day.

“The way my heart went crazy because the name ‘PokePark’ was mentioned in the Pokémon Presents,” commented @MaskedRoxyPSI. “Only for it to be a theme park and not a new game 😭💔”

@itswavelengths

The Pokémon Company introduced that Poképark Kanto will likely be opening early 2026 proper outdoors of Tokyo, however the vibe is perhaps not all there. I’m certain individuals could have enjoyable there, however perhaps the corporate with the largest IP in the complete world might have gone extra all-out imo!!

♬ unique sound – brendon

Adding to the backlash, followers outdoors Japan felt ignored. Since the park is positioned in Tokyo, worldwide Pokémon lovers voiced disappointment over its inaccessibility. 

Pokéfan @polygonyall tweeted, “IDK why Pokémon Direct is showcasing a theme park 90% of its fanbase will never be able to go to.”

But maybe probably the most divisive element is the character of the park itself.

Despite the grand branding, PokéPark KANTO is comparatively small and light-weight on conventional rides. Instead, a lot of it’s a themed forest stroll and a procuring district. Some followers described it as a glorified merch retailer, whereas others mentioned that it might barely be thought-about a theme park.

“When they finally make a Pokémon theme park or at least an attraction in a bigger park, but it’s just based on f****** Kanto,” one particular person wrote.

Still, not everybody was upset. Excitement poured in from these dwelling in Japan or planning to go to.

“This is it! I definitely want to go…!” one Japanese fan wrote on X.

Another mentioned, “I’ve always dreamed of a Pokémon theme park, and I used to watch footage of the original 2005 PokéPark for hours on end when I was around 8 years old, so I am very excited for PokéPark Kanto! ( ๑ ˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و I’d really like to visit in 2026.”

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