While Japan may be getting its own Nintendo theme park later this year to coincide with the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, it won't be the only theme park in the world officially partnered with the iconic video game company.
In an earnings call with investors, Comcast has confirmed that Universal will be adding Super Nintendo World as its fourth theme park, after Universal Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure and the water park Volcano Bay. While an opening date for the theme park has not been officially announced, reports indicate the Los Angeles version of the park will be the first to open, with additional plans for sister parks to open in Orlando and Singapore to follow.
Universal had announced development on a fourth theme park this past August, doubling the size of its theme park real estate and adding 14,000 jobs. Comcast executives cited the interest and recognition in Nintendo's various intellectual properties as a major reason for selecting it as its fourth theme park, noting the Harry Potter intellectual property had brought a significant increase in visitors to Islands of Adventure.
While the Nintendo theme park in Japan is slated to have rides inspired by its Super Mario franchise, including a Mario Kart-themed ride, it is unknown if the Universal Nintendo theme parks will feature similar attractions or provide its own, original attractions and experiences.
(via Forbes)