Back in 2011, Nintendo launched their first Nintendo Direct. This marked a new beginning for Nintendo, and how they would showcase upcoming releases. Nintendo Direct’s have gone through many iterations in the past 9 years. Some examples include the Indie World Showcase, and Nintendo Direct Mini. Each iteration has had a common theme; a major focus on video games. Today Nintendo officially breaks that tradition, with the announcement of a Super Nintendo World focused showcase.
Tune in on 12/18, 3 p.m. PT for a special SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Direct livestream! We'll spend roughly 15 minutes showing just some of @USJ_Official’s new area, #SUPERNINTENDOWORLD. No game content will be featured.https://t.co/ZNIPeE2bJS pic.twitter.com/XKoEomOJ6d
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) December 18, 2020
The news of a theme park centered Nintendo Direct came via Nintendo’s official Twitter page. There, Nintendo mentions that the direct will be approximately 15 minutes long. The whole presentation will focus on showing off Universal Studios Japan’s new Super Nintendo World area. Nintendo goes out of their way to specifically mention that the showcase will not feature any game content. This marks the first Nintendo Direct with no video game announcements.
While Super Nintendo World was originally scheduled to open this year, it was pushed due to the ongoing pandemic. Thankfully, the park has confirmed an official opening date of February 4th of next year. Thankfully the video showcase will hold over eager fans, especially those not living in Japan. The direct will presumably feature information on Super Nintendo World’s main attractions; Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure. Yoshi’s Adventure is a slow-moving Omni-Mover featuring the usage of screens and props to immerse riders. In contrast, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge is an interactive Dark Ride that features a mixture of augmented reality and animatronics. Attractions Magazine revealed a first look at Koopa’s Challenge, two weeks back, on their YouTube Channel.
The Nintendo Direct goes live today at 6:00PM EST. For more information on Super Nintendo World, and all things Nintendo, be sure to follow Nintendo on their official Twitter.
