It has been confirmed that the opening of Super Nintendo World has been delayed until further notice. The theme park that is based around levels within Nintendo games (primarily Super Mario) was due to open next month, having previously been delayed already.
Universal Studios Japan and Nintendo have been sharing plenty of what would be patrons can expect from Super Nintendo World. At the Nintendo Direct as recently as last month, a full video was released showing off the new theme park in all of its Mushroom Kingdom glory. As visitors walk through an iconic green Mario warp pipe (complete with warp sound effects) that leads visitors into the lobby of Peach’s Castle, the theme park then opens up to display its playful and Goomba filled attractions.
Unfortunately, the opening of Super Nintendo World has once more been delayed. In response to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and the state of emergency that has been declared in Osaka Prefecture, Universal Studio Japan released a statement earlier today that, when translated from its original Japanese (via BBC), states that they are postponing the opening of Super Nintendo World once again after “careful consideration of the current situation.” Universal Studios Japan goes on to “apologize to all guests and stakeholders who are anxious about the opening of Super Nintendo World.” A new opening date has not been proposed within this statement, as the powers at Universal Studios Japan are waiting until after the state of emergency has been lifted before making any more decisions.
While this news is certainly disappointing, it is clearly the right thing to do given the events that are unfolding in the world right now. For fans still itching to get their Nintendo fix, however, the latest Mario Switch title Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is set to be released next month. This is part of Nintendo’s on-going 35th-anniversary celebrations for Mario and his friends. 2021 also marks the 35th anniversary of Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda series, with many hopes and leaks hinting at another title (perhaps even the fabled Breath of the Wild 2) being released at some point in the next twelve months.
The spread of COVID-19 has affected everyone in one way or another. While this recent news will come as a great disappointment to many, it surely does not come as much of a surprise. Hopefully, for all involved with Super Nintendo World, it will be a "third time’s a charm" scenario with the video game-themed amusement park.
Source: Universal Studios Japan (translated via BBC)