The Fortnite community has been buzzing with excitement over a possible Pokemon collaboration coming to the battle royale. Recent social media activity reignited speculation about Ash Ketchum and Pikachu potentially arriving on the Fortnite island. However, the reality behind these rumors paints a very different picture.
Here is everything we know about the rumored Fortnite x Pokemon crossover, where the speculation started, and why this collaboration has not happened yet.
Is a Fortnite x Pokemon Collaboration Confirmed?
No. As of February 2026, there is no official Fortnite Pokemon collaboration confirmed or in development. Epic Games has not made any announcement regarding a crossover with the Pokemon franchise. The recent wave of excitement around this topic did not originate from any credible leaks or insider information.
Instead, the speculation traces back entirely to a fan-made trailer that recently went viral again on social media platforms.
Where Did the Fortnite Pokemon Rumors Come From?
The source of the recent hype is a fan-made trailer created by an artist known as Feraalsy on X (formerly Twitter). The trailer showcased highly polished 3D models of Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, and other Pokemon characters designed in Fortnite’s signature visual style. It also featured the popular Fortnite character Peely in a prominent role, adding to the authentic feel of the video.
This trailer was originally posted on January 7, 2023, making it over three years old at this point. However, it recently gained fresh traction after an Instagram page called Forthnite reshared it, introducing the clip to a much wider audience who may not have seen it before.
The timing of this resurfacing played a major role in fueling the rumors. The trailer started circulating again around Pokemon Day 2026, which marks the 30th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise. This coincidence led many fans to believe the trailer was an official reveal tied to the anniversary celebrations. In reality, it remains entirely a fan creation with no connection to Epic Games or The Pokemon Company.
Why Has Epic Games Not Secured a Nintendo Collaboration?
Fortnite has built an impressive roster of crossover partnerships over the years. The game has featured characters and content from major entertainment brands including Disney, Marvel, DC, and even other video game titles like Crimson Desert. However, Nintendo has remained the one major holdout that Epic Games has been unable to bring on board.
The primary reason is well documented. Nintendo is known across the gaming industry for being extremely protective of its intellectual properties. The company maintains strict control over how its characters are used and portrayed in external media and games.
One notable example highlights this challenge clearly. Epic Games reportedly attempted to include Samus Aran, the protagonist of the Metroid series, in a Fortnite Battle Pass. However, Nintendo’s condition was that the character would only be visible to players on Nintendo Switch consoles. This type of platform-exclusive restriction made the deal impractical for a cross-platform game like Fortnite.
Beyond licensing restrictions, there is also the matter of character portrayal. Nintendo is unlikely to approve its iconic characters being used in the context of a battle royale shooter where they would be subject to the game’s various emotes and animations. The possibility of a character like Ash Ketchum performing celebratory dances after eliminating opponents does not align with how Nintendo typically wants its properties represented.
Could a Fortnite Pokemon Crossover Happen in the Future?
Epic Games has not publicly ruled out the possibility of a Pokemon or broader Nintendo collaboration in Fortnite. The company has continued to expand its crossover portfolio with major global brands, which suggests it remains open to new partnerships.
That said, given Nintendo’s long-standing approach to IP protection and the specific restrictions it has imposed in past negotiations, a Fortnite Pokemon collaboration does not appear likely in the near future. Unless Nintendo changes its stance on how its characters can be used in third-party games, this particular crossover remains firmly in the wishful thinking category for fans.