New Nintendo World Ride Will Have a Thrilling Callback to the Donkey Kong Games

A new ride for the upcoming Donkey Kong-themed section of Universal Studios Japan's Super Nintendo World will give parkgoers a very hands-on and thrilling series throwback, according to reports. The attraction apparently uses a simple yet clever design to provide this experience.

Nintendo first announced the Donkey Kong expansion to its Universal Studios Japan area in 2021, revealing plans to add a new roller coaster and other interactive experiences. Named Donkey Kong Country, which is also the title of the franchise's Super Nintendo Entertainment System reboot series, the section will also feature themed merchandise and food. More details regarding the roller coaster, Mine Cart Madness, have finally popped up online, giving fans a better idea of what they can expect once it opens.

CoasterTalk, a YouTube channel dedicated to keeping an eye on the progress of attractions around the world, claimed in a recent video that Super Nintendo World's Donkey Kong rollercoaster will simulate the games' minecart segments by making its riders feel as if they were being thrown into the air during moments where there are broken tracks. The ride can achieve this effect as its carts are actually running on a set of hidden tracks and not on the visible ones via a patented technology called Boom Coaster. The official page for Mine Cart madness claims the Donkey Kong Country ride will let fans join the series' titular protagonist on their adventure to protect the Golden Banana, so the attraction could feature other references to the games in addition to the broken track jump.

Universal Studios Japan's Donkey Kong Country is set to open in spring 2024, while Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida will get its own version of the area by summer 2025. The U.S. site will also feature the Mine Cart Madness roller coaster, as well as themed food, drinks, and merchandise, among other things.

The last Donkey Kong game released for home consoles was Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, which