In May of 2015, Nintendo made headlines with the official announcement of a groundbreaking partnership with Universal Parks & Resorts. This collaboration aimed to bring the beloved worlds of Nintendo games and characters to life through immersive theme parks, marking a significant expansion of Nintendo's presence in the entertainment industry. Fast forward a decade, and this vision has materialized into the spectacular Super Nintendo World. These vibrant theme parks, now thriving in Japan, Los Angeles, Florida, and soon to expand to Singapore, offer an array of thrilling rides, engaging interactive experiences, enticing gift shops, and character-themed dining options that delight fans of all ages.
As we approach the much-anticipated opening of Universal's new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, and the introduction of the Donkey Kong Country expansion to the American audience for the first time, I had the privilege of sitting down with Shigeru Miyamoto. The legendary game designer behind iconic characters such as Super Mario and Donkey Kong shared insights on the journey of bringing these parks to life. Our conversation also touched on his collaboration with the next generation of Nintendo game developers and his enthusiasm for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console. Miyamoto's passion for creating magical experiences, both in video games and theme parks, continues to inspire and shape the future of entertainment.