In May of 2015, Nintendo made a groundbreaking announcement about their partnership with Universal Parks & Resorts. This collaboration aimed to bring the magic of popular Nintendo games and characters to life through innovative theme parks. This decision opened up exciting new avenues for Nintendo, expanding its influence into the broader entertainment industry. A decade on, this vision has been realized with the launch of Super Nintendo World, a dynamic theme park filled with thrilling rides, interactive attractions, themed gift shops, and character-inspired dining experiences. These parks can now be enjoyed in Japan, Los Angeles, Florida, and soon in Singapore, delighting fans and families alike.
With the much-anticipated launch of Universal's new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, and the exciting addition of the Donkey Kong Country expansion, marking its American debut, I had the privilege of sitting down with Shigeru Miyamoto. As the legendary game designer behind iconic characters such as Super Mario and Donkey Kong, Miyamoto shared insights into the development of these parks, his collaboration with the next generation of Nintendo game developers, and his enthusiasm for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console. His passion for bringing Nintendo's world to life in new and engaging ways is truly inspiring.