No official announcements about locations have been made

May 7, 2015 20:14 GMT  ·  By

Video game developer and publisher Nintendo and Universal Parks & Resorts are announcing that they are entering into a partnership that will see characters like Mario and company become rides and shows in a number of theme parks.

The two companies are promising that they will create spectacular experiences based on the biggest franchises from the video game company, although no names were offered at the moment.

The official announcement states, "Nintendo has created remarkable and imaginative worlds filled with captivating stories and beloved characters. Now, for the first time, those stories and characters will be brought to life in entirely new ways – only at Universal theme parks."

It seems that both Nintendo and Universal Parks & Resorts are currently still exploring the possibilities opened up by the new partnership.

More details about the characters that will be used and about the theme parks where the new rides and shows will be accessible will be announced in the future.

Fans are probably already imagining Mario Kart-themed real world races and rollercoaster designs based on the likes of Zelda or Metroid.

Universal has theme parks in locations like Los Angeles, Osaka and Singapore and plans to expand to Moscow and Beijing.

It would not be a surprise to see Mario-themed content first appear in the Japan location, given the popularity of the character in that part of the world.

Nintendo is seeking to use its brands in new ways

The move to create theme park attractions based on popular franchises is a sign that the company is seeking new ways to leverage its notoriety and popularity.

Recently, Nintendo has also revealed that it is aiming to bring its characters to mobiles, although the leadership insists that the focus will continue to be on content linked to the Wii U and the 3DS.

The company has also announced that the new Legend of Zelda title will be delayed into 2016 in order to allow developers to make sure that they deliver on their initial vision.

Nintendo is also working on new video game hardware, which might be launched as soon as 2016, and the company is also interested to move into the health-focused devices market.

More details about its plans for the future, including the theme park segment, will be offered during E3 2015.