An exclusive video offers an exciting preview of the forthcoming Donkey Kong Country expansion at Super Nintendo World. The theme park, initially unveiled at Universal Studios Japan in 2020 through a soft launch, officially opened its doors in 2021. Boasting a plethora of Super Mario Bros.-themed attractions, the park features a restaurant, thrilling rides, and meet-and-greet opportunities with iconic characters like Princess Peach. Following its successful debut in Japan, Nintendo disclosed plans for an extension set to debut in 2024.
The new addition to Super Nintendo World draws inspiration from the beloved Donkey Kong Country franchise, marking the second intellectual property to be showcased at the venue. Visitors can look forward to encountering well-known characters and experiences tied to the franchise, such as innovative power-up bands, an array of exclusive merchandise like banana coins, and a heart-pounding Minecart Madness-themed rollercoaster. The highly anticipated expansion is slated to unveil this year, with enthusiasts treated to a sneak peek of the nearly finished project in a recent video release.
Uploaded by the YouTube channel L.C.A. Studios, renowned for its coverage of Universal Studios Japan and its attractions, the ten-minute video provides an aerial view of the Donkey Kong Country extension at Super Nintendo World. Mirroring the ambiance and challenges of contemporary Donkey Kong Country games such as Returns and Tropical Freeze, the expansion features dense jungle foliage, ancient stone structures, and iconic elements like the signature barrels players typically catapult out of.
Donkey Kong Expansion Unveiling at Super Nintendo World (USJ)
Although much of the development is shielded by scaffolding and greenery, the video offers a tantalizing glimpse into what awaits visitors in the Donkey Kong Country extension. Viewers are treated to brief snapshots of the rollercoaster in action, showcasing the intricate mechanisms that simulate riders leaping over chasms reminiscent of the Minecart levels in Donkey Kong Country. The footage captures test runs from multiple angles in preparation for the attraction's public launch.
Enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing the expansion firsthand in Spring 2024, just around the corner. While details on the expansion's rollout to other Super Nintendo World locations like Hollywood remain undisclosed, the recently established Hollywood venue may see a lag of approximately two years before the Donkey Kong extension materializes. Universal has already commenced the construction of two additional Super Nintendo World sites, scheduled to open next year at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida.