Nintendo is gearing up to unveil the next chapter of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. During a Nintendo Direct event, fans got their first in-depth look at the Donkey Kong Country-inspired addition to the park. Highlights include a thrilling mine cart rollercoaster and a live-action, three-player version of the Donkey Konga rhythm game. This much-anticipated expansion is set to welcome visitors on December 11th.
To access the new section, visitors will walk through a rocky tunnel that leads to a vibrant jungle setting. The area features a towering treehouse, a steaming golden temple, and banana-themed treats aplenty. Staying true to the video game experience, attendees can discover and collect large, hidden letters using the park’s NFC wristbands. Fittingly, a new line of Donkey Kong-themed wristbands has been introduced. Fans can also look forward to seeing an animatronic Cranky Kong. For those who missed the live showcase, the full video is available for viewing.
The Donkey Kong expansion was first teased in 2021, and this year is when it is expected to launch. While this announcement focused on the Osaka park, Nintendo has previously confirmed that the same attractions, including the Donkey Kong section, will be part of Super Nintendo World in Orlando, opening next year.
This addition is a key piece of Nintendo’s broader strategy to evolve into an entertainment powerhouse beyond gaming. Recent efforts include ventures into feature films and a series of exciting launches. Nintendo launched its own museum in Kyoto at the beginning of October. This was followed by the introduction of a music streaming software, an online test for an enigmatic MMO, and the Alarmo alarm clock.
Amid these developments, fans are eagerly awaiting news about Nintendo’s next console, the anticipated successor to the Switch. While details remain scarce, the company recently confirmed that the new system will support backward compatibility, heightening excitement for what’s to come.