Nintendo Rides and Characters Coming to Universal Theme Parks

Nintendo Land is becoming a reality. Kind of. Nintendo has struck an agreement with Universal Studios theme parks to introduce rides and characters based on the video game developer’s famous intellectual properties. “The agreement brings two icons of entertainment together and represents a significant partnership for Nintendo as it expands the reach and popularity of its characters and intellectual property,” the joint press statement from Universal and Nintendo reads.

“The immersive experiences will include major attractions at Universal’s theme parks and will feature Nintendo’s most famous characters and games,” an official statement continues. Though the theme parks will still be predominantly Universal Studios branded, the theme parks will offer “spectacular, dedicated experiences based on Nintendo’s wildly popular games, characters and worlds.”

The idea has been percolating in Nintendo’s brain for some time. Back in 2010, Nintendo President Saroru Iwata said, “Countless times, the idea of a theme park has been debated and discussed, and there have been rumors in various forms. But at the present moment, there are no concrete plans.”

Universal has prior form in turning video game properties into theme park attractions, with Universal Studios Japan realising Capcom’s Monster Hunter and Resident Evil properties as amusement rides.

“More details will be announced in the future as the Nintendo and Universal creative teams work to create specific concepts,” the press release added.

Real life Mario Kart, anyone?

Thank you Kotaku for providing us with this information.