A theme park dedicated to Nintendo’s famous Super Mario World has opened in Japan, nearly a year after it was originally due to welcome guests.
Super Nintendo World – which cost about $0.5bn (£0.36bn) to build – was meant to open last summer but was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Initially only Japanese visitors can go amid international travel bans.
For Nintendo, it represents part of a move from games firm to entertainment company.
The park is modelled on levels in Nintendo’s Mario games, the first of which was released in 1985 and followed the adventures of a plumber and his brother
The franchise went on to sell more than 370 million games globally.
I – Word Understanding
Dedicated – exclusively intended (for)
Amid – in the middle of something
II – Have Your Say
1, Are you / Were you a fan of Super Mario? Please share your super mario experience. Why did you like (or not like) Super Mario?
2, What are the factors that made Super Mario a hit in Japan as well as globally? What do you think are the differences between Japanese and foreign Super Mario fans? Are there things that foreigners get wrong about Super Mario?
3, If you are to choose between Nintendo World, Disney or Hanami party which one would you choose and why? (assuming no more pandemic, and it is safe to go around).
4, How do you feel about Nintendo’s move from games to the entertainment industry? Which game or character do you wish would be added to your favorite theme park?
