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NEWS
Universal confirms Nintendo presence for all of its parks
POSTED 29 Nov 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Shigeru Miyamoto – known for creating some of the most critically acclaimed and best-selling video games of all time such as Donkey Kong, Mario and The Legend of Zelda – is working with Universal on the project Credit: Universal/Nintendo
Universal will expand its Nintendo presence beyond Japan by building similar attractions in its Orlando and Hollywood theme parks.

The theme park operator said in a statement that the parks would be expansive, immersive and interactive, with visitors feeling as as if they are inside their favorite games.



According to Universal, the attraction will not exclude amateur or non-gamers, with something for everyone, “regardless of their age or gaming experience level”.

“Planning and creative work on these areas is well underway; they will open separately over the next several years.” said a Universal statement.

“The creative visionaries behind Nintendo’s legendary worlds and characters are working together with the creative teams behind Universal’s blockbuster theme park attractions, with their goal to bring the characters, action and adventure of Nintendo video games to life within our theme parks.”

Each Universal theme park will announce details of its specific Nintendo areas. The first such announcement will come soon, with Japan’s addition expected to be purely based on the Super Mario franchise.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has said its Nintendo addition will be developed at a cost of ¥50bn (US$451m, €424m, £363m).

According to USJ, the attraction in Osaka will exceed the size of its Harry Potter element and will feature multiple attractions, dining options and retail venues. The expansion will take four years to develop, with the opening timed to coincide with the 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games, which are to be hosted in Tokyo.
RELATED STORIES
  Nintendo promises immersive situations and smartphone interactivity for Universal parks


As Universal prepares for launch of its first Nintendo theme park attraction in 2020, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has revealed some details for the upcoming attraction, promising “immersive amusement interactive situations” and potential smartphone interactivity for the highly-anticipated addition.
  Pokémon GO wearable device released next week, health-focused Apple Watch adaptation also in the works


As Nintendo and Niantic continue to drip feed new features to maintain the popularity of Pokémon Go, the game’s creators have announced that its new wearable device will be released next week, while also revealing plans for an Apple Watch adaptation of the game.
  Universal Japan's Nintendo addition will dwarf Harry Potter attraction


Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has said its upcoming Nintendo attraction will be developed at a cost of ¥50bn (US$485m, €440m, £369.5m) – a significant increase on previous estimates.
  US$350m Mario land confirmed for Universal Japan


Universal Studios has finally revealed the first uses of its Nintendo IPs, announcing plans for a Mario-themed land at its park in Japan.
MORE NEWS
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
+ More news   

COMPANY PROFILES
ProSlide Technology, Inc.

A former national ski team racer, ProSlide® CEO Rick Hunter’s goal has been to integrate the smoot [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
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FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

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NEWS
Universal confirms Nintendo presence for all of its parks
POSTED 29 Nov 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Shigeru Miyamoto – known for creating some of the most critically acclaimed and best-selling video games of all time such as Donkey Kong, Mario and The Legend of Zelda – is working with Universal on the project Credit: Universal/Nintendo
Universal will expand its Nintendo presence beyond Japan by building similar attractions in its Orlando and Hollywood theme parks.

The theme park operator said in a statement that the parks would be expansive, immersive and interactive, with visitors feeling as as if they are inside their favorite games.



According to Universal, the attraction will not exclude amateur or non-gamers, with something for everyone, “regardless of their age or gaming experience level”.

“Planning and creative work on these areas is well underway; they will open separately over the next several years.” said a Universal statement.

“The creative visionaries behind Nintendo’s legendary worlds and characters are working together with the creative teams behind Universal’s blockbuster theme park attractions, with their goal to bring the characters, action and adventure of Nintendo video games to life within our theme parks.”

Each Universal theme park will announce details of its specific Nintendo areas. The first such announcement will come soon, with Japan’s addition expected to be purely based on the Super Mario franchise.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has said its Nintendo addition will be developed at a cost of ¥50bn (US$451m, €424m, £363m).

According to USJ, the attraction in Osaka will exceed the size of its Harry Potter element and will feature multiple attractions, dining options and retail venues. The expansion will take four years to develop, with the opening timed to coincide with the 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games, which are to be hosted in Tokyo.
RELATED STORIES
Nintendo promises immersive situations and smartphone interactivity for Universal parks


As Universal prepares for launch of its first Nintendo theme park attraction in 2020, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has revealed some details for the upcoming attraction, promising “immersive amusement interactive situations” and potential smartphone interactivity for the highly-anticipated addition.
Pokémon GO wearable device released next week, health-focused Apple Watch adaptation also in the works


As Nintendo and Niantic continue to drip feed new features to maintain the popularity of Pokémon Go, the game’s creators have announced that its new wearable device will be released next week, while also revealing plans for an Apple Watch adaptation of the game.
Universal Japan's Nintendo addition will dwarf Harry Potter attraction


Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has said its upcoming Nintendo attraction will be developed at a cost of ¥50bn (US$485m, €440m, £369.5m) – a significant increase on previous estimates.
US$350m Mario land confirmed for Universal Japan


Universal Studios has finally revealed the first uses of its Nintendo IPs, announcing plans for a Mario-themed land at its park in Japan.
MORE NEWS
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford– Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx- Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
ProSlide Technology, Inc.

A former national ski team racer, ProSlide® CEO Rick Hunter’s goal has been to integrate the smoot [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS