It is time for all the Donkey Kong fans to rejoice. Japan’s Nintendo has recently confirmed it will extend the Super Nintendo World. They will expand the theme park at Japan’s Universal Studios along with a Donkey Kong section. It was long in line at Universal-Studios Japan. But it is confirmed now! All of this was confirmed at a press conference. It has a release date of 2024. Even though it is three years from now, yet we can not keep calm.
However, the Super Mario section will only consist of less scary rides. These rides are believed to be suitable for every age group. Furthermore, Nintendo Donkey Kong is a favourite game among all age groups. Thus, designing rides that everyone can enjoy is a pretty sensible decision. They have further revealed that this section will also have a rollercoaster.
This is a piece of fantastic news for everyone. The Donkey Kong world has some unique elements that could make the whole theme park even more exciting. Fans are looking forward to this new expansion of the Super Nintendo World. However, the three-year-long wait will surely test everyone’s patience.
The Super Nintendo World first opened on the 18th of March in Osaka, Japan. It is still yet to open at Universal Studio’s Florida and Hollywood. The park located in Hollywood might be the first one to open for visitors. This is speculation drawn based on how Hollywood is already selling the Super Nintendo World Merchandise. Nevertheless, this is also the first time the theme park-related items will be on sale other than Japan.
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Cementing the Rumors
This news itself has come as a surprise to fans, but there is more to it. People who used to sit glued and play this game for hours are already intrigued. Think of a theme park based on the world of your favourite game. Just this idea will make any fan smile ear to ear. Not just rides, but the theme park will also feature themed merchandise, interactive element, and food. The plans of a Donkey Kong expansion have had their share of rumours. The information about the programs started surfacing in 2019. But, the confirmation of the development does put an official seal on the rumours.
Only the previous year, Kurumi Mori of Bloomberg’s claimed Universal was busy building a Donkey Kong-themed section. This news report was backed by the rumour of a sealed Donkey Kong-themed gate at the park. Thus, it was always a matter of time for Super Nintendo World officials to confirm the news on this section.
Diving Into Details
“I am looking forward to creating a thrilling Donkey Kong experience with the amazing team at Universal. It will take some time until it is completed, but it will be a unique area for not only people who are familiar with Donkey Kong games but for all guests,” said Shigeru according to Engadget. He also expressed, “I am very happy to be able to make the world of Donkey Kong a reality following the world of Mario.”
Anyone interested to know more about this whole news should read along. Nintendo also says the Donkey Kong section expansion will increase Super Nintendo World’s size by 70%. The images that have been in the news show a new world. It seems to be based on the more modern world Retro Studios Donkey Kong Country games. This also includes a mine cart-themed rollercoaster ride.
“The area will feature a roller coaster, interactive experiences, and themed merchandise and food,” Nintendo declared in a press release according to Engadget. They also added according to Engadget, “Guests will be able to take a walk on the wild side through the lush jungles where Donkey Kong and his friends live.”
When you thought it could not get any better, Nintendo decided to add a bit of spice. Other than the rollercoaster, visitors can expect Yoshi Adventure at the park. Among the interactive experiences, visitors will get a “Power-up Band”. This will let the guests collect coins and engage in different interactive experiences. The same attraction should be expected at Hollywood, Orlando, and Singapore parks of the Universal Studios.
Further Information
Gamers for whom the Super Nintendo World is an old favourite can never say no to more news on the park. This section is for those who are in search of added information about the park.
You may find the park’s mobile app referring to the Mario section as Super Mario land. The app even sometimes likes to separate this section from the central Nintendo World. This indeed makes the other area a lot more unique.
However, the park seems to face restrictions since it opened. It is mainly because it opened amidst pandemic. So, wearing masks, using sanitiser, and checking the temperature is a must at this park. But, it still had to face a temporary shut down as the Covid cases surged that too in a month of its opening.
Concluding Thoughts
The officials of Universal Studios Japan and Nintendo seem to be equally excited as the fans. President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan, J.L Bonnier, said, “Super Nintendo World creates a whole new level of theme park entertainment and has quickly become an exciting, must-do experience for our guests. We are thrilled to continue working with Nintendo to fulfil our vision to bring their characters and stories to life. Our new Donkey Kong-themed area will bring even more excitement and fun to the Super Nintendo World experience.” according to Nintendo.
Well, all of the details shared till today seems to be the tip of an iceberg. There is undoubtedly more to it. Moreover, when it is Nintendo and Universal Studio Japan, you can always seek and expect more. They know precisely how to keep people entertained and to excite them. Once this section opens, it will be a ride through the world of nostalgia. The best part is that it will be available in Japan and other places of the world as well. So fans will assuredly wait for another three years to enjoy a trip to this park.
