Nintendo theme park opening postponed again due to Japan’s Covid emergency
Osaka-based Super Nintendo World was due to open in February
Universal Studios Japan has indefinitely postponed the opening of Super Nintendo World, after a state of emergency was declared in several Japanese prefectures on Wednesday.
After an earlier delay from last summer, the theme park world was finally due to open on February 4. Universal says it will now be postponed until after the state of emergency has lifted.
Japan has seen a surge in coronavirus cases in recent weeks, with the country’s cumulative total topping 300,000 on Wednesday.
USJ said: “We sincerely apologize to all the guests and stakeholders who are looking forward to the opening of Super Nintendo World for their concern. The new opening date will be decided and announced after the state of emergency is lifted.”
At a press event in November, Universal announced new details about the long-awaited attraction, including information on its Super Mario Kart AR ride, which will see visitors wearing special headsets.
Nintendo World Japan will put an emphasis on interactive experiences, with visitors using a wristband in conjunction with a mobile phone app to gamify the park.
The Osaka-based attraction was originally due to open this summer but was delayed due to disruption caused by the coronavirus. Japan’s borders are currently closed to tourists but they’re expected to reopen in spring 2021.
Super Nintendo World is also scheduled to come to Universal’s Orlando, Hollywood and Singapore parks, although a timeline for openings outside of Japan hasn’t been announced.
