Overnight, Universal Studios Japan has confirmed that the first Nintendo themed area will be developed and opened in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics! The brand new Super Nintendo World will bring the world of Mario to life in an incredibly immersive way.
The area will comprise of “expansive and multilevel environments filled with unprecedented, state-of-the-art rides, interactive areas, shops and restaurants, all featuring Nintendo’s most popular characters and games.” The entire project is expected to exceed 50 billion Yen, which is roughly $430 million.
Now, I know this is all just concept art at this time, but Universal has been doing an amazing job at translating their concepts to the real world in the past with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter among other properties. This should be no different and will be extra unique due to features like the multilevel environments.
What I love most about it is how it looks like a living Super Mario World, which just brings out the Super Nintendo loving side of me. Characters spotted in the art include Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Yoshi and his friends. Princess Peach and Toad appear to be meet and greet characters, but I’m sure there will be other standalone characters including like you see in Springfield U.S.A. at Universal Studios Florida.
No rides have been announced at this time, but just recently Orlando Business Journal discovered some amazing patents that look like Universal may be developing technology to build a Mario Kart ride.
Universal still hasn’t released a timeline for when Orlando or Hollywood may open their Nintendo themed lands, but our speculation is that Hollywood will be next and potentially Orlando may wait for the fourth theme park. Stay tuned as always for more details!
Mind (and some other stuff) blown!