Forza Horizon 6 Includes a Playful Pokémon Reference

Forza Horizon 6 has snuck in a sly nod to Pokémon. The latest entry in Xbox and Playground Games' beloved racing series has arrived, and it's arguably better than ever. Set in Japan—a long-requested location among fans—the game not only showcases the country's beautiful landscapes but also its vibrant car culture. After years of refining the franchise, Playground finally felt ready to tackle this setting, delivering the biggest Forza game yet.

Forza Horizon 6 embraces Japan in many ways: drifting is a key focus, cherry blossom trees are indestructible due to their cultural significance, and there are numerous references to Japanese culture. One standout event even has players racing a giant mech through the streets—outrageous, but perfectly in line with the game's tone. Perhaps the most notable Japanese reference is a nod to Pokémon, Nintendo's iconic franchise.

While listening to the in-game radio, players might hear the hosts suggest taking photos while exploring Japan, using the phrase "Snap 'em all"—a twist on Pokémon's famous tagline, "Gotta catch 'em all." The hosts then add, "It's like that Japanese collecting game we're not allowed to name for legal reasons." This fun reference has amused fans, especially given Nintendo's reputation for protecting its intellectual property.

In related news, Pokémon turns 30 this year, and celebrations are in full swing. Target recently teamed up with Kellanova to produce limited-edition Pokémon Pop-Tarts, which have been targeted by scalpers reselling them at four to five times the retail price.