Yes, it's real: Nintendo is actually teaming up with Universal Parks and Resorts, and now, our first look at some of their plans—or at least a confirmation that this isn't just an incredible fantasy—is here. The news of the Nintendo-Universal collaboration was first unveiled last May, but other than the news that the first of these partnerships would pop up in Japan, we haven't heard much...until now.
In the video released today, Nintendo designer and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Universal Creative president Mark Woodbury sat in front of Mario-themed sets, and discussed the vision for Nintendo's expansive and interactive environments coming to three Universal theme parks: Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan.
In a release, Nintendo and Universal said the parks will be opening separately over the next several years and will include multiple attractions, shops and restaurants. It's worth reminding everyone, here, that Universal's been charged with handling one of the biggest intellectual pop culture properties of the past decade—Harry Potter—and people love it, every time. Here's hoping they bring that spirit and execution to the most beloved, classic video game characters and company in the history of the form. Also? Fingers crossed for a Donkey Kong mine cart ride, Mario Kart, and traveling by sewer pipe.
