The opening of Universal Studios’ highly-anticipated Nintendo theme park Super Nintendo World in Orlando, Florida is being delayed until at least 2025. Nintendo is planning interactive theme park locations in America, Japan, and Singapore, though the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic uncertainty have complicated matters since the attraction was announced way back in 2015.
While details about Super Nintendo World are still unfolding at a slow pace, Universal Studios has promised that the attraction will provide customers with an interactive experience that will put them in the colorful settings of classic Nintendo franchises like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and even Pikmin. As shown at the still-in-development Super Nintendo World in Osaka, Japan, fans will be able to ride a thrilling Bowser-themed roller coaster, chat with Princess Peach, and even dress up as their favorite Nintendo icons. Unfortunately, they might have to wait a few more years to jump into the world Nintendo and Universal are putting together.
As reported by IGN earlier today, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has announced that Universal will be delaying the opening of its new Epic Universe park in Orlando Florida -including Super Nintendo World - until at least 2025. The park had previously halted construction last year due to COVID, only to resume shortly afterward. Hence, it will take much longer to get Epic Universe and all of its attractions operational - Super Nintendo World included.
Although Nintendo's theme park plans are on hold for the time being, the company still has many milestones to celebrate in 2021. Just this past weekend, Nintendo made several exciting announcements to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Pokémon, and The Legend Of Zelda and Donkey Kong also have big events planned for this year. Finally, while Mario’s own 35th birthday was originally set to be held last year, the aforementioned COVID pandemic resulted in several of the previously-planed commemorations being postponed until 2021, such as last month’s Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury for the Switch.
Nintendo fans and theme park enthusiasts might be disappointed to hear that Orlando's Super Nintendo World won't be opening for another few years, the current delay is understandable given the circumstances. Last year's coronavirus pandemic put most of the entertainment world on hold, and even with new vaccines currently being distributed, it will still take some time for regular life to return to what it was before the outbreak. As a result, Universal will need more time to get Super Nintendo World constructed so that fans young and old will enjoy the attraction once it finally opens for real in 2025.
Source: IGN