Get ready to catch some Z's with your favorite Pokémon! The mobile sleep-tracking game Pokémon Sleep is teaming up with the anime series Pokémon Horizons for a dreamy crossover that will bring Captain Pikachu and other fan-favorite characters into the game. This unexpected collaboration bridges the gap between the hit show and one of the franchise's most unique spin-offs.
Pokémon Sleep, which launched in 2023, turns your nightly rest into a game. By tracking your sleep patterns using your phone, the Pokémon Go+ Plus device, or select third-party smartwatches, you can discover which Pokémon appear in the morning based on your sleep style. Now, starting next month, the game will welcome characters from Pokémon Horizons, including the beloved Captain Pikachu, as special additions to your team.
But the crossover doesn't stop there. The official Japanese Pokémon accounts have announced a Pokémon Sleep-themed episode of Pokémon Horizons set to air in August. This episode will mark the anime debut of Professor Neroli, the game's quirky professor, who will be voiced by Natsuki Hanae—best known for his role as Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba. International release details and the English voice actor have yet to be revealed, but fans are already buzzing with excitement.
This isn't the first time a Pokémon spin-off game has made its way into the anime. The Pokémon Ranger series, for example, had its own episode and even a feature-length film, Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. In that story, Ash Ketchum teamed up with rangers like Jack Walker, who used Capture Stylers instead of Poké Balls to temporarily befriend Pokémon. Similarly, Pokémon GO got a nod in the anime through the appearance of Melmetal, which was originally exclusive to the mobile game before being added to mainline titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
For those who love crossovers, this is a treat that blends the relaxing world of sleep tracking with the adventurous spirit of Pokémon Horizons. The anime, which debuted in 2023, follows new protagonist Liko as she explores the Pokémon world, marking a fresh start after Ash Ketchum's epic journey concluded in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys. With the Pokémon franchise boasting a staggering $115 billion in total revenue, it's no surprise that The Pokémon Company continues to find innovative ways to connect its various media.
If you're a fan of both the anime and the game, mark your calendars: the Pokémon Horizons event in Pokémon Sleep begins on August 17, 2026, and the special episode will air in Japan on August 21. For now, you can catch up on Pokémon Horizons streaming on Netflix. And if you're in the mood for more crossover fun, check out our ranking of the best Batman video games or dive into the Stardew Valley meets Magic: The Gathering crossover.
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