Nintendo World theme park shown in near-complete state, as opening ‘likely delayed’

A new drone image has shown the Nintendo World Japan theme park in a near-complete state, following news that its opening will likely be delayed due to disruption caused by the coronavirus.

The image – captured by Instagram user Imaiko – shows the park’s first two rides, Super Mario Kart and Yoshi’s Adventure, as well as space for what is likely to be a planned Donkey Kong expansion.

Nintendo World was due to open ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games this summer, before the event was postponed due to the pandemic.

In an earnings call this month, the CEO of Universal Studios parent company Comcast confirmed that Nintendo World Japan would likely open “a few months past our original expectation” due to construction delays.

Universal parks around the world are currently closed, with the Orlando operation set to re-open on June 5.

Nintendo World Japan is set to put an emphasis on the interactivity of its experiences, with each visitor using a wearable wristband in conjunction with a mobile phone app to gamify the park.

Visitors will be able to collect virtual coins and stamps by exploring Nintendo World, and compete with others in real-time for the number collected.

Guests will also be able to collect various keys around the park to unlock battles against virtual boss characters, which are fought in cooperation with others.

A report describing Nintendo World’s Mario Kart theme park ride claimed it would also feature AR goggles and cars that can ‘drift’ around corners.

Theme Park Shop claimed in December 2019 that the Mario Kart Ride, which is set to appear in all iterations of Universal’s upcoming Super Nintendo World, would feature several locations from the Mario Kart games.

Following the Japan opening, Super Nintendo World is scheduled to come to Universal’s Orlando, Hollywood and Singapore parks, although a timeline for openings outside of Japan hasn’t been announced.