Nintendo has granted Universal Parks and Resorts the rights to its most popular characters in a move which could see a theme park based on Mario, the Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Pokémon and more enter development.

Universal has theme parks around the world at Hollywood, Orlando, Osaka, Japan and Singapore where major Nintendo-based characters can be brought to life.

A joint statement from the companies, said: “Universal theme parks offer incredibly popular, innovative themed family entertainment experiences based on compelling stories and characters – using powerful storytelling and innovative technology.

“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.”

The companies announced that more specific concepts will be introduced in the near future, however the Nintendo back-catalogue could provide a rich wellspring of unique consumer experiences across all ages.

The Japanese gaming firm has been less protective of its IPs of late in a move which has sparked profitability for the first time in four years.

In March, Nintendo revealed plans to create content for smart devices via a partnership with DeNA.