Forza Horizon 6 Sneakily References Pokémon with a "Cheeky" Easter Egg

Daily Games

19/05/2026

Forza Horizon 6, the latest installment in the beloved racing franchise, has arrived, taking players to the highly anticipated setting of Japan. Beyond its stunning visuals and robust car culture, the game has surprised fans with a subtle yet amusing nod to Nintendo's iconic Pokémon series. This hidden gem is tucked away within the in-game radio, offering a playful wink to long-time gamers.

Key Takeaways

At a glance

Hidden reference

Forza Horizon 6·In-game radio

The game includes a subtle Pokémon nod delivered through radio dialogue rather than an overt crossover.

Tagline twist

Pokémon slogan·Wordplay

The line riffs on Pokémon's famous "Gotta catch 'em all" by changing it to "Snap 'em all."

Japanese setting

Fan-requested·Car culture focus

Japan is central to the new release, shaping its atmosphere, motorsport emphasis, and cultural references.

A Nod to "Gotta Catch 'Em All"

As players explore the vibrant landscapes of Japan in Forza Horizon 6, the in-game radio hosts offer advice on capturing the perfect in-game photos. During one such segment, they suggest players "Snap 'em all," a clear and clever alteration of Pokémon's legendary slogan, "Gotta catch 'em all."

The hosts then humorously acknowledge the reference, stating it's "like that Japanese collecting game we're not allowed to name for legal reasons." This self-aware commentary highlights the developers' awareness of Nintendo's reputation for vigorously protecting its intellectual property, particularly the Pokémon franchise.

Embracing Japanese Culture

Playground Games uses Japan as more than a backdrop, building several recognizable cultural and motorsport touches into the experience.

How the setting shows up in the game

Element	How it appears	Why it matters
Drifting	The game puts emphasis on a motorsport strongly associated with Japan.	It connects the racing design to local car culture.
Cherry blossoms	Players encounter indestructible cherry blossom trees in the environment.	It reinforces the setting with a recognizable visual symbol.
Giant mech event	One event has players racing against a giant mech.	It adds a playful pop-culture flourish to the Japanese theme.

This playful Pokémon Easter egg adds another layer of charm to the game, resonating with fans who appreciate these kinds of hidden details. It's a testament to the developers' understanding of pop culture and their desire to inject fun and personality into the Forza Horizon experience.

In other Pokémon-related news, the franchise is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. This milestone has been marked by various celebratory initiatives, including a recent collaboration between Target and Kellanova to release a limited-edition line of Pokémon Pop-Tarts. These collectible items have unfortunately become a target for scalpers, who have been reselling them at significantly inflated prices.

30th anniversary

Pokémon's current milestone helps explain why brand tie-ins and collectible promotions are drawing so much attention.