Nintendo theme parks coming to Universal Studios Orlando, Hollywood and Osaka

Nintendo has officially announced a partnership with Universal that will bring Nintendo-themed areas to their parks in Japan and the United States. The "expansive, immersive and interactive" areas will make guests "feel as if they are playing inside their favourite games".

Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto discussed the project in an announcement video (embedded below) alongside president of Universal Creative Mark Woodbury. "We are constantly amazed how the park developers are bringing the essence of our games to life in the real world," said Miyamoto.

"Together we are building it with an eye for what guests will actually experience. We are working very hard to create attractions that can be equally enjoyable to anybody regardless of age. Since we're really bringing the world to life, I think Mario will feel like he finally came home."

These Nintendo-themed areas will be built at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, as well as the two US parks in Hollywood and Orlando, Florida. These will open "separately over the next several years," according to a press release.

No specific Nintendo brands were mentioned as being included in the design of these areas, but its safe to assume Super Mario will be one of them.

"We're going to be able to create an entire Nintendo world," said Woodbury. "We can't wait for fans to experience this at all three our parks."

"The creative visionaries behind Nintendo's legendary worlds and characters are working together with the creative teams behind Universal's blockbuster theme park attractions," read the aforementioned press release.

"Their goal: to bring the characters, action and adventure of Nintendo video games to life within Universal theme parks. And to do so in new and innovative ways that capture what makes them so special. All of the adventure, fun and whimsy you experience through a screen will now be all around you – in breathtakingly authentic ways.

"Each Universal theme park will announce details of its specific Nintendo areas. The first such announcement will come soon."

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