The newly unveiled Donkey Kong Land in Super Nintendo World appears to promise an exhilarating journey.
For some time now, it's been common knowledge that Universal was planning to enhance its partnership with Nintendo to create a realistic representation of the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Nintendo World. And guess who's set to be the main attraction? That's right, it's everyone's favorite simian adversary, Donkey Kong. Recently, gaming icon Shigeru Miyamoto offered fans a sneak peek at the Donkey Kong Country expansion, which is set to debut in Japan shortly.
Today, Nintendo surprised us with yet another announcement instead of the highly anticipated Switch 2. As part of a special Nintendo Direct, Miyamoto took viewers on a journey through Donkey Kong Country, providing a glimpse into what to expect from the expansion before its official launch in Japan next month. Park-goers will be transported from the Mushroom Kingdom through a large tunnel and find themselves in a lush jungle, complete with the familiar aesthetic from Donkey Kong's 40-year history of video games. You can expect plenty of barrels, barrels, and more barrels!
Miyamoto teased a variety of new features coming to this section of Super Nintendo World, such as architectural additions like Donkey Kong's house and a store inspired by Funky Kong, as well as minigames. These include a rhythm game inspired by Donkey Konga and the capability to collect hidden letters within the park using the NFC wristbands. Of course, the themed food offerings are not to be overlooked, including a sundae inspired by the iconic barrel-breaking antics of Donkey Kong and a questionable-looking hot dog. The highlight of the new expansion, though, is the Golden Temple, inspired by the mining cart racing levels from the Donkey Kong Country games.
Although the ride's preview stops just short of revealing too much, we've previously learned that it will simulate vehicles leaping off the track as they jump gaps and switch rails. Safety measures are in place – a hidden secondary coaster track provides support, so you won't have to rely on luck and recklessness to avoid a vacation-ruining fall. Despite the warnings, it's amusing to see Miyamoto hope that even those who typically fear theme park rollercoasters will enjoy the new ride.
Donkey Kong Country is set to open at Universal Studios Japan on December 11, 2024. Sadly, it won't be included in the abridged version of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. However, it will be part of the Super Nintendo World opening at Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando on May 22, 2025.
For more io9 news, be sure to check out upcoming releases for Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the future of the DC Universe, and all things Doctor Who.
Io9 viewers might be interested in learning that the Donkey Kong Country expansion in Super Nintendo World will feature an immersive rhythm game inspired by Donkey Konga. In the future, fans in Orlando can expect to experience this expansion at Universal's Epic Universe in 2025.
As Nintendo continues to innovate in the realm of technology, the Donkey Kong Country expansion at Super Nintendo World showcases their commitment to delivering engaging and interactive experiences for theme park visitors.
