Nintendo might be struggling when it comes to selling video games, but the company’s characters are still beloved around the world. And now we can expect them in theme parks thanks to a new deal with Universal Parks & Resorts.
Universal Parks and Nintendo announced today that they are teaming up to bring Mario, Donkey Kong, Link and other popular characters to life at the Universal parks around the world.
The deal comes as Nintendo struggles to adapt to the new world of video gaming, as the Wii U didn’t earn the same success that the Wii had. In March, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata said that the company is finally starting to develop games for smartphones and tablets. There were also rumors that a Legend of Zelda series was coming to Netflix, so Nintendo is at least trying to find new ways to use its popular characters.
It’s not clear what the first Nintendo-inspired ride will be, when it would be opened or even where it would opened. Universal has parks and resorts in Hollywood, Orlando, Japan and Singapore.
Universal Parks are also home to several attractions that are based on other non-Universal properties. For example, Orlando is home to attractions based on The Simpsons, Marvel characters and Harry Potter.
Universal also announced yesterday that a new King Kong ride will open in Orlando in summer 2016.