Nintendo Amusement Park Opening Postponed Again Until COVID Emergency Is Lifted

GAMEFINITY.ID, Jakarta – Universal Studios Japan has postponed the opening of Super Nintendo World indefinitely. This is because the Japanese government is expanding the COVID-19 state of emergency outside of Tokyo, with seven additional prefectures including Osaka. Previously, this amusement park located in Osaka planned to open a Nintendo attraction that spent an investment of 580 million USD (approximately IDR 8.1 trillion) on February 4.

Universal said the opening would be postponed until the state of emergency was lifted. Japan has seen a spike in coronavirus cases in recent weeks, with the country’s cumulative total of positive cases topping 300,000 as of Wednesday (13/1/2021)

“We sincerely apologize to all the guests and stakeholders looking forward to the opening of Super Nintendo World for their concern. A new opening date will be decided and announced once the state of emergency is lifted. “

At a press conference in November, Universal announced details of the new area called Super Nintendo World that will feature augmented reality (AR) attractions, including the world’s first interactive Mario Kart theme park ride. Super Nintendo World Japan will emphasize interactive experiences, with visitors using wristbands along with a mobile phone app to play games in the park.

The opening of the Osaka-based ride was originally scheduled for last July, but was postponed to February 2021 due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus. Unfortunately the schedule was again delayed, after Japan’s borders are currently closed to tourists. The border is expected to reopen in the spring of 2021.

Super Nintendo World is also slated to hit Universal’s Orlando, Hollywood, and Singapore parks, though an opening schedule outside of Japan has yet to be announced.