As of the time we’re writing this, there are two Nintendo franchises represented at Super Nintendo World. There’s the Mario series, which was the main focus when the theme park was revealed back in [year]…
Plus, the Donkey Kong Country series, which got an expansion themed around it in [year].
That’s all there is so far where Nintendo franchises are concerned. Pikmin make cameos and there may be a few minor nods here and there, but everything else is mostly absent from the park. It’s a Mario and DK themed place, and that’s it.
But it seems like that might not be the case for long. Why? Because recently, a very interesting stained glass window design popped up on a new merchandise shop in the park. One with a slightly more… medieval fantasy theme to it.
Yep, as shown here, there’s now a picture of Link on the merch shop window, right next to the DK one:
Hmm, why is he here alongside DK?
So, could this mean the Legend of Zelda series is coming to Super Nintendo World too? Could Hyrule be the next place added after DK Jungle?
Well to be honest, it’s a bit early to tell right now. Again, the reference is only a stained-glass window on a shop, rather than a major attraction or focal point. In that sense, it could just be advertising a greater range of Nintendo merch or something.
But we really, really wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case either. Remember, The Legend of Zelda series is arguably Nintendo’s third biggest series, and their second biggest if we exclude franchises with complex legal situations like the Pokemon one.
So, it would only make sense to see it added here. It’s had multiple 20 million plus selling games recently, it’s blown up in the public consciousness thanks to those games, and it’s even getting a movie as we speak. It’s basically Nintendo’s go to choice here, and the most obvious addition to Super Nintendo World as a whole.
And it’d probably be well-timed too. Remember, that Zelda movie is coming out in a few years or so, and that’s approximately how long it might take to start work on a Zelda themed park area. Add this to the Switch 2 and its inevitable Zelda title in the same time span, and well, you can see how it’d make sense for Nintendo to make a big push into other forms of media to promote the franchise. After all, the Super Mario Bros Movie, the American version of Super Nintendo World and Super Mario Bros Wonder all launched in the same year. Why shouldn’t the Zelda series go the same route?
Either way, something Zelda related is coming to the parks. So, what do you think it’ll be? Could we see more than just a merch shop reference? Will Zelda get its own theme park land and attractions?
Leave your thoughts in the comments below, on social media, or on our Discord server today!
Source:
Super Nintendo World construction pic reveals first Legend of Zelda decorations (GoNintendo)