Forza Horizon 6 hides a clever and funny Pokémon Easter egg

The massive new Forza Horizon 6 map in Japan doesn't just deliver top-tier drift events and vibrant car culture—it also features a hilarious in-game radio Easter egg making fun of Pokémon and Nintendo's notoriously strict legal team. Playground Games and Xbox have finally taken players to the destination fans have been begging for over the years, and the developers are using the setting to pack the game with incredible cultural references and secrets.

Jumping into Japanese territory allowed the developers to step out of their comfort zone and craft the most ambitious, largest map in the franchise to date. As players drive through streets and highways lined with cherry blossoms—which, as a neat cultural detail of respect, are completely indestructible—the immersion is absolute thanks to the soundscapes and in-game radio stations.

A clever Pokémon easter egg on the radio

It’s exactly on one of these radio stations where one of the most unexpected and funniest references in the game is hidden. While you’re freely cruising around the avenues of Japan, the DJs suggest taking advantage of the game's revamped photo mode to capture the stunning scenery around you. That’s when they casually drop the phrase: "Snap 'em all."

This is a crystal-clear spoof of the legendary "Gotta catch 'em all" catchphrase from the massive Pokémon franchise. But the joke doesn't stop there. To really hammer it home, the same DJs immediately follow up with a sarcastic disclaimer, saying it’s "like that Japanese collecting game we can't name for legal reasons." Players on Reddit's r/Forza community were quick to capture the audio clip, sharing a laugh over the thinly veiled jab.

The perfect blend of humor and Japanese culture

Knowing how famously litigious Nintendo is when it comes to protecting its intellectual properties—recently seen in their aggressive takedowns of emulation software and strict stance on copyright—the joke lands perfectly. It’s a subtle, harmless, yet brilliant nod that highlights the excellent sense of humor Playground Games injected into this experience, giving a cheeky wink to the broader gaming industry.

Beyond this hilarious easter egg, Forza Horizon 6 fully embraces the wild side and unique charm that defines Japan. Playground Games didn't just stick to conventional racing; throughout the campaign, you’ll encounter massive surprises. This includes a special story event where you literally get to pilot a giant mecha through the city streets, paying homage to iconic anime. It’s exactly these details that cement this entry as a true love letter to gamers and Japanese pop culture alike.