Back in 2015, both the video game and theme park worlds were rocked when Universal announced a partnership with Nintendo. The plans currently include the Super Nintendo World themed land, which is under construction in Japan, with a targeted 2020 opening. Plans for similar lands in Universal’s Orlando and Hollywood parks are soon to follow.

The big story in all of this is obviously the brand-new land. As Universal’s Harry Potter themed areas around the world show, Universal knows how to transport guests. There’s still a lot unknown about this project, save for the already confirmed Mario Kart attraction. There has been information to speculate on, but as is natural for projects in the planning stage, a lot can change.

Recent rumblings have emerged of Universal planning a new theme park. This would give them more space to execute whatever they have planned for Nintendo. As such, plans to build Super Nintendo World in its original spot the Universal Studios Florida have been shifted. In the original plot would be an increased Pokémon presence. This would give Nintendo more real estate than originally anticipated. But that makes sense. Like Harry Potter, nabbing the Nintendo license is a big win for Universal.

The original plans for Nintendo were probably never limited to simply Mario anyway. The Nintendo library is too stacked and iconic to just utilize one property, even if that one property is Mario. The fact that the area is even named Super Nintendo Land, rather than a more specific Mario-related title, is telling. With the Nintendo-Universal relationship getting stronger, the two companies seem to be in it for the long haul. Expect Nintendo to have a big presence in Universal’s parks in the coming years.

But what will be included in whatever Universal has planned with Nintendo? As was said, not much is known, but that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate. So, let’s do just that.

Pokémon

Pokémon is second only to Mario when it comes to Nintendo’s top-selling franchises. It’s a pop culture phenomenon. And lest we forget, Universal is also releasing next year’s Detective Pikachu film. (The Universal/Nintendo connections keep getting deeper and deeper.) So what will Pokémon at the theme parks look like?

Slated to be put in the Kidzone area of the park, it is currently unknown whether Pokémon would overtake it completely or simply an addition. Considering it’s currently rumored to open in 2020, don’t expect this to be on the level of the Harry Potter stuff. (That’s what the Mario stuff’s gonna be, anyway.) However, this doesn’t mean that any of this will be half-baked. While anything Pokémon is a guaranteed hit, one would expect Universal to put some actual weight behind a license at this level. While obviously, this means we could get an area featuring dedicated Pokémon rides, shows, and merchandise, there is a lot more potential to this.

What would be awesome would be to see a Pokémon presence throughout the whole park. Maybe have a challenge where you have to visit “gyms” throughout the park and become a Pokémon master. Different lands in the park would represent different gyms. While it may be a little difficult to find a way to incorporate actual battles (maybe implement Pokémon GO somehow?) but it would be an interesting way to utilize one of the hottest pop culture properties.

The Legend of Zelda

I mean, come on.

Zelda most definitely will fit in Universal’s plans somehow. At the very least, expect a Zelda-themed attraction. What would that be? What about an adventure traversing through dungeons with Link? Since this is a theme park, we could even have a journey where you progress through various dungeons, going from the forest temple to the water temple to the fire temple. Just imagine how awesome seeing recreation of these iconic locations would be.

I don’t expect there to be much more than one high-profile attraction related to Zelda. I do, however, Zelda to have a significant presence in whatever Super Nintendo Land ends up being. While the obvious would be being able to meet Link and Zelda, I’m sure there will be more to it. Breath of the Wild is a game all about exploring. Obviously whatever area that will be dedicated to Zelda will be nowhere near as big as that game’s map. But being able to explore Hyrule, even if it’s a smaller-scale recreation, will be something to remember.

Splatoon

Splatoon is one of Nintendo’s hottest properties right now. I find it hard to imagine it doesn’t factor in these plans somehow. “Shooting” rides (for a lack of a better term) are a popular take on the dark ride at theme parks around the world. Universal even has one already, with Men in Black: Alien Attack. Seeing something like that utilized with Splatoon is a very appealing idea.

To reference a different theme park, Disney’s Toy Story Mania utilizes screen-based technology. Two players compete by pulling triggers at targets on the screen in front of them. Something similar to that, but not exactly alike, has real potential. Your vehicle could be moving through a show building recreated to look like Inkopolis.

Including Splatoon may be a somewhat unexpected choice for some. But Splatoon brings a different kind of energy than Nintendo’s other franchises. Something that’s a little more modern, a little more fast-paced. While a full-scale replication of Inkoplolis isn’t expected (but that would be awesome!) a mini Splatoon area anchored around an attraction would help change things up from the rest of the Nintendo-ness.

Kirby

Kirby’s an easy sell for a theme park. On the whole, Universal’s Nintendo-themed area seems to be geared for guests of all ages. Yet, depending on how attractions including Mario Kart shake out, they may not be suitable for all ages. A Kirby themed area would be a good way to balance that.

Dream Land is the perfect setting for kids and adults alike to step into. It may not be the richest setting, but, it’s a nice change of pace from the Mario and Zelda. In this case, however, it’s the opposite effect. Dream Land would be an opportunity to slow things down.

The great thing about a Kirby attraction is that it doesn’t need to be the most advanced. Sometimes a small, charming ride is the best course of action. What about a ride where you have to avoid the perils of Whispy Woods? Plus Kirby is one of the most adorable video game characters out there, so who wouldn’t want to meet him? Universal is criticized for a lack of attractions aimed at younger audiences. This would counteract that.

The Rest!

Realistically, there is too much to fit into a single themed area. But that’s all what speculation is all about, right? Nintendo is the developer with the most famous and iconic stable of characters out there. No character will be more iconic than Mario. But it goes much deeper than that.

Whatever Universal has planned for Nintendo should go past Mario. The Nintendo franchises have different feels, tones, and settings, but fit together. It’s not inconceivable to go from the Mushroom Kingdom to Hyrule to Inkopolis. Warp Pipes are some of the most iconic pieces of Mario imagery, and could be used as a form of ‘transport’.

Not everything needs to get a dedicated attraction. But not spotlighting certain titles in Nintendo’s portfolio would be a missed opportunity. I’d love an Animal Crossing-themed cafe, where you can meet the ever-awesome KK Slider or a meet-and-greet with Samus on her famous ship.

What Do You Want At Universal?

From what we’ve seen, Super Nintendo World will have a heavy Mario focus. Will that leave room for other franchises? Well, considering a lot is up in the air at Universal right now, it’s possible. If the new rumors are true, and Pokémon will be getting an increased presence. The sky’s the limit right now, and anything can happen.

What would you like to see in whatever Universal uses with the Nintendo license?