A Fortnite modder just gave fans a tantalizing glimpse of what could be one of gaming’s biggest crossovers—and now the community is begging Epic Games and Nintendo to make it happen. A short 22-second clip showing Cyndaquil, the beloved Generation 2 Fire-type starter from Pokemon Gold and Silver, following a player around as a Sidekick has gone viral across social media, reigniting dreams of an official Fortnite Pokemon collaboration.
While there’s currently no indication that Epic Games and Nintendo are planning any partnership, the mod demonstrates exactly how well Pokemon would fit into Fortnite’s existing Sidekick system. With fans already throwing money at the idea and suggesting their favorite Pokemon for the treatment, the question isn’t whether it could work—it’s whether Nintendo would ever allow it.
What Are Fortnite Sidekicks?
Before diving into the Pokemon possibilities, let’s break down what Fortnite Sidekicks actually are and why they’re perfect for this type of crossover.
Sidekicks: The Latest Cosmetic Evolution
Introduced: November 2024
What they are: Small companion characters that follow players around the island during matches
Key difference from Back Bling pets: Unlike the older pet system from earlier seasons, Sidekicks are designed specifically as followers rather than accessories that sit in backpacks
Gameplay impact: Zero—they’re purely cosmetic with no competitive advantage
Why they matter: Sidekicks allow Epic Games to add characters that wouldn’t fit Fortnite’s standard humanoid character model, massively expanding crossover potential
Current Sidekick Roster
Since launching, Fortnite Sidekicks have already featured several high-profile collaborations:
SpongeBob SquarePants: The iconic Nickelodeon character arrived as one of the first Sidekicks, proving the system could handle cartoon characters with unique body types
Scratchy & Itchy from The Simpsons: Fox’s long-running animated series got Sidekick representation, showing Epic’s willingness to partner with major entertainment brands
Louis (CourageJD’s dog): The YouTube creator’s real-life dog joined as a Sidekick, demonstrating the feature’s versatility beyond traditional media properties
This diverse lineup shows Epic Games is thinking creatively about who—or what—can become a Sidekick. Enter Pokemon.
The Cyndaquil Mod That Started It All
X user boredcrow24 created the Pokemon Sidekick mod that has the Fortnite community in a frenzy, and for good reason—it looks incredibly polished for a fan creation.
What the Mod Shows
The 22-second clip features several impressive details:
Cyndaquil’s appearance: The Generation 2 Fire-type starter follows faithfully behind the player as they navigate the map
Authentic audio: The mod includes sounds similar to Cyndaquil’s in-game cry from the Pokemon series, adding authenticity
Smooth animation: The modder confirmed in replies that they pulled the walking animation directly from PokePark, a spin-off Pokemon title released on Nintendo Wii
Natural integration: Cyndaquil doesn’t feel out of place in Fortnite’s environment—it just works
Why Cyndaquil Specifically?
While the modder could have chosen any of the 1,000+ Pokemon in existence, Cyndaquil makes perfect sense as a proof-of-concept:
Nostalgia factor: As one of the Johto starters from Pokemon Gold and Silver (1999/2000), Cyndaquil holds a special place in many players’ hearts
Perfect size: Cyndaquil’s small stature fits the Sidekick scale naturally
Recognizable design: Even non-Pokemon fans can identify Cyndaquil’s distinctive appearance with its closed eyes and flame back
Broad appeal: Fire-type starters consistently rank among the most popular Pokemon across generations
Fan Response: “Take My Money!”
The clip didn’t just gain views—it sparked a full-blown conversation about the financial potential and creative possibilities of Fortnite Pokemon Sidekicks.
What Fans Are Saying
Immediate purchase commitment: Countless replies expressed willingness to buy Pokemon Sidekicks immediately if they became official. Comments like “I would actually spend money on this” appeared repeatedly, showing genuine consumer demand.
Other Pokemon suggestions: The community quickly started pitching their favorites:
- Totodile: Cyndaquil’s fellow Johto starter got multiple shoutouts
- Eevee: The evolution Pokemon’s popularity makes it an obvious choice
- Quaquaval: The Generation 9 Water/Fighting starter from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
- Pikachu: Obviously—though some joked it’s too obvious
- Legendary Pokemon: Some suggested smaller legendaries like Mew or Jirachi
Financial jokes (that aren’t really jokes): Multiple users commented on the absurd amount of money Epic Games could make by turning each of the 1,000+ Pokemon into individual Sidekicks. At typical Fortnite cosmetic pricing ($8-15), that’s… well, do the math.
The “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” Business Model
Here’s where things get interesting from a business perspective. If Epic Games released Pokemon Sidekicks with even a fraction of the available Pokemon:
Conservative estimate:
- Release 50 Pokemon as Sidekicks
- Price at $10 each (mid-range for Fortnite cosmetics)
- Even 1% of Fortnite’s player base buying one = millions in revenue
The collection factor: Pokemon’s entire brand is built on collecting—”Gotta catch ’em all” isn’t just a slogan, it’s a lifestyle. Fortnite players already demonstrate collectible tendencies with skins and emotes. Combine these two collector cultures and you have a recipe for potentially unprecedented cosmetic sales.
Starter packs and bundles: Epic could offer:
- Generation-specific starter bundles (Kanto starters, Johto starters, etc.)
- Type-themed collections (all Fire types, all Water types)
- Legendary/Mythical exclusive releases
- Battle Pass integration with one free Pokemon per season
Why This Crossover Makes Perfect Sense
On paper, Fortnite and Pokemon seem like an ideal match—both are massive, family-friendly properties with global appeal. So why hasn’t it happened yet?
The Case FOR a Fortnite x Pokemon Collab
Mutual audience overlap: Both franchises target similar demographics, with broad appeal across age groups from kids to adults who grew up with Pokemon
Cosmetic-only integration: Since Sidekicks offer no gameplay advantage, Nintendo couldn’t object to Pokemon providing competitive benefits—they’d be purely cosmetic
Cross-platform presence: While Pokemon games remain Nintendo exclusives, Fortnite exists on all platforms including Nintendo Switch, creating natural exposure
Proven crossover success: Fortnite has successfully partnered with Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and dozens of other major IPs without diminishing any brand involved
Technical feasibility: The mod proves Pokemon models and animations work seamlessly in Fortnite’s engine
The Case AGAINST (Or: Why Nintendo Probably Says No)
Here’s the reality check: Nintendo has historically been extremely selective about crossovers involving its flagship characters, particularly outside its own gaming ecosystem.
Nintendo’s protective approach:
- Mario, Link, and Pokemon rarely appear in non-Nintendo games
- When they do, it’s typically in fighting games (Super Smash Bros.) or mobile games Nintendo directly controls
- Third-party crossovers involving Nintendo IP are exceedingly rare
Platform considerations: While Fortnite exists on Switch, it’s an Epic Games product primarily associated with other platforms. Nintendo may view Pokemon Sidekicks as promoting a competitor’s product.
Brand dilution concerns: Nintendo carefully cultivates Pokemon’s image across games, anime, trading cards, and merchandise. Appearing in Fortnite—a game with guns and combat—might not align with how Nintendo wants Pokemon presented.
Precedent setting: If Nintendo allows Pokemon in Fortnite, what’s to stop requests for Mario, Zelda, or other franchises? Nintendo may prefer maintaining strict boundaries.
What Would a Fortnite x Pokemon Collab Actually Look Like?
Let’s imagine Epic Games and Nintendo did somehow reach an agreement. What might an official Fortnite Pokemon collaboration include?
Beyond Just Sidekicks
Trainer skins:
- Playable characters dressed as Pokemon Trainers
- Iconic trainers like Red, Blue, or Ash (if licensing permits)
- Gym Leader costumes (Misty, Brock, etc.)
Pokeball Back Bling: A backpack containing Pokeballs that glow when your Sidekick is active
Pokemon-themed locations:
- A Poke Center POI (Point of Interest)
- Tall grass areas that rustle as you move through them
- Gyms scattered across the map
Emotes:
- Pokeball throwing animation
- Pokemon battle victory poses
- “Trainer spotted” alert emote
Gliders: Pokemon-themed gliders like riding Charizard or Dragonite
Harvesting tools: Pickaxes designed after moves like Vine Whip, Thunderbolt, or Ice Punch
The Dream Scenario: Limited-Time Mode
Imagine a Pokemon-themed Limited-Time Mode where:
- Players choose a starter Pokemon at match start
- Pokemon “evolve” as you gain eliminations or complete objectives
- Special Pokemon items replace standard weapons
- Victory includes Pokemon battle music and effects
Will It Ever Happen? The Realistic Outlook
Short answer: Probably not, but stranger things have happened in the gaming industry.
Why it’s unlikely: Nintendo’s protective approach to its IP makes any third-party crossover challenging, especially with properties as valuable as Pokemon. The company has shown little interest in allowing its characters to appear in games it doesn’t control or directly profit from.
Why there’s still hope:
- Money talks, and the financial potential is enormous
- Fortnite exists on Nintendo Switch, creating an existing relationship
- Pokemon has expanded beyond gaming into mobile apps, suggesting slightly more flexibility
- Epic Games has proven it can handle major IP respectfully and successfully
What fans can do: Keep the conversation going. Show Epic Games and Nintendo that demand exists. Tag official accounts, create more content, and demonstrate this isn’t just a niche request—it’s something the community genuinely wants.
The Bottom Line
The Fortnite Pokemon mod showing Cyndaquil as a Sidekick proves the technical and creative feasibility of such a crossover. The fan response demonstrates clear consumer demand. The business case practically writes itself.
What’s missing is Nintendo’s willingness to take the leap. Until that changes, fans will have to settle for impressive mods and wishful thinking about what could be one of gaming’s biggest collaborations ever.
But hey—if you’d told someone in 2018 that Fortnite would eventually feature Darth Vader, Goku, Peter Griffin, and Mr. Beast all in the same game, they probably wouldn’t have believed you either. In the world of Fortnite crossovers, never say never.
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Which Pokemon would you want as a Fortnite Sidekick? Let us know in the comments below!
