The Super Nintendo World theme park will open as a Mario-centric experience – but it might not always be that way, according to Universal Studio Japan.
Super Nintendo World will open its doors by July and, while attractions have yet to be revealed in detail, we know that iconic landmarks such as Mushroom Kingdom, Peach’s Castle, Bowser’s Castle and a Mario Kart course will be featured.
The newly released concept video “We Are Born to Play” (below) shows characters such as Yoshi, Goombas and Piranha Plants, and iconic objects ranging from Warp Pipes to Question Blocks, all of which point to a faithful interpretation of the Mario universe.
Here is a special music video collaboration between @wearegalantis, @charli_xcx and @USJ_official celebrating #SUPERNINTENDOWORLD! The #Nintendo theme park experience will open in Japan this summer. #USJ https://t.co/2w1DR2nqhJ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 14, 2020
Kurumi Mori of Bloomberg reported on the Super Nintendo World presentation in Japan and provided more info on the park that is scheduled to open before the Summer Olympics, which begins on July 24, 2020.
But what about Nintendo’s other franchises? This is not Super Mario World but Super Nintendo World, after all. While there’s no doubt that Mario is Nintendo’s mascot character, the Japanese video game company is home to many popular franchises. Can we expect to see any attractions, shops or even restaurants themed after these franchises at Super Nintendo World?
“Not right away,” Universal Japan Studio’s marketing head Ayumu Yamamoto told IGN Japan. “We’re starting with a Mario centered area. However, we are thinking about expanding to Nintendo’s other IPs after opening.”
While Yamamoto did not make any promises, it does seem likely that we will be able to see Nintendo’s other franchises come to life at the theme park in the near future. A Star Fox themed shooting attraction? A souvenir shop run by Tom Nook? Or maybe some fresh ice-cream from Hyrule’s Lon Lon Ranch? What would you like to see?
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Esra Krabbe is an editor at IGN Japan. Before the Olympics start, he will be running to Super Nintendo Land!