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.
 


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
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Universal confirms Nintendo presence for all of its parks...
08 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

29 Nov 2016

Universal confirms Nintendo presence for all of its parks
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

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
photo: 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.



Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Longevitix launches AI-powered platform to deliver longevity medicine at scale
Longevitix launches AI-powered platform to deliver longevity medicine at scale   08 Jun 2026

Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver .... more>>

Orangetheory set for Italian expansion and Technogym tie-up
Orangetheory set for Italian expansion and Technogym tie-up   08 Jun 2026

Purpose Brands has announced its entry into the Italian market, having sold the franchise rights for four Orangetheory Fitness studios to Icon .... more>>

Atmantan Wellness Centre announces new wellness destination in Hyderabad
Atmantan Wellness Centre announces new wellness destination in Hyderabad   08 Jun 2026

Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in .... more>>

Fitness First adds red light therapy to relaxation classes
Fitness First adds red light therapy to relaxation classes   08 Jun 2026

Fitness First UK is integrating red light therapy into its yoga and Pilates classes through a partnership with Bon Charge.

....
more>>
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre   07 Jun 2026

Luxury wellness resort, The Retreat Costa Rica, has introduced its Vida Mía Longevity Centre at the property’s Vida Mía Healing Centre and .... more>>

Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Company profile


Active IQ

Active IQ is the UK’s leading Ofqual-recognised Awarding Organisation for the Physical Activity sector.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd