Universal Studios has shown off the first details of the Donkey Kong-themed expansion to Super Nintendo World in Osaka, Japan, which is expected to open in Spring 2024.
The theme park is based on the Donkey Kong Country games, particularly Donkey Kong Country Returns with the presence of that game’s villains, and was shown off with an animated trailer. The main attraction is a family coaster called Mine-Cart Madness, a reference to a level by the same name in the original Donkey Kong Country.
The trailer gives a look at the coaster, as well as a Funky Kong-themed shop and the Golden Temple, which is featured in the final level in Donkey Kong Country Returns. Key art for the park also shows off characters from across the series who will be featured in the park, including Dixie Kong, Cranky Kong, Rambi the Rhino, Squacks the Parrot, and Tiki Tong. Naturally, hordes of bananas are also present.
More details were provided at a press conference in Universal Studios Japan, according to IGN, who had a representative in attendance. The park will introduce new Power-Up Bands themed around Donkey and Diddy Kong which will allow attendees to collect K O N G letters, which provide extra lives or unlock bonus levels in the Donkey Kong Country games.
Image via Universal Studios Japan
Starting this week, new merchandise will be available at the park, including DK Barrels and Chocolate Banana Coins. Finally, the press conference revealed that the expansion would increase the size of Super Nintendo World by 70%.
Universal Studios Hollywood opened its Super Nintendo World in February 2023, two years after Japan’s, with Orlando’s still on the way. No official announcement has been made as to whether or not the Donkey Kong expansion will reach the US.