Super Nintendo World (Osaka)

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Looks like Universal is not giving up on using AR on Mario Kart. A patent published this month specifically describes how the AR/VR elements of a ride system could be updated and upgraded without "significant attraction downtime".

...It is also now recognized that it may be desirable to provide attraction features that readily allow upgrades, maintenance, or replacement of key components in a manner that does not create significant attraction downtime. Indeed, as one example, theme park attractions using ride vehicles have historically had long lead times associated with technical refresh upgrades. Thus, cutting edge technology (e.g., augmented or virtual reality) within these attractions can easily be outpaced by what is available in home consumer products. ​

Seems to me like they're building in a way to update the AR programming and technology without having to close the attraction. So, it might open with a somewhat crude version, but get better over the years. Kind of like being able to have upgraded Spider-Man to 4K without even closing it.

But, that's just my interpretation. No way of knowing exactly what this patent is for, if anything.

Full patent here, (although it was just posted publicly today so is still missing images and some data): WO2020068977A1 - Modular augmented and virtual reality ride attraction - Google Patents

That’s very exciting to hear!!!

Maybe we’ll start out with like N64 type animation, then Game Cubes, then switch level animation, etc lol but that is very impressive and is exciting to know as like Spider-Man it sounds like they’re making a timeless attraction. Hopefully it has the same wow factor that Spidey did when it opened!

 

[Jamesh22]

It is indeed exciting, and would seem to suggest that the version that eventually opens in EU will be a 'plussed' version having had 3 years to perfect the technology.

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

Seems to me like they're building in a way to update the AR programming and technology without having to close the attraction. So, it might open with a somewhat crude version, but get better over the years. Kind of like being able to have upgraded Spider-Man to 4K without even closing it.

Universal has truly committed to immersing us in the world of video games by providing Mario Kart with a day one patch.

 

[Alicia]

Universal has truly committed to immersing us in the world of video games by providing Mario Kart with a day one patch.

As long as they’re not charging us for DLC at the load platform.

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

As long as they’re not charging us for DLC at the load platform.

*cough* wristbands *cough*

 

[JungleSkip]

Could also just allow them to add special characters or overlays during holidays

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Could also just allow them to add special characters or overlays during holidays

Oh a Halloween themed Mario Kart is my dream lol

 

[Magic-Man]

As long as they’re not charging us for DLC at the load platform.

No worries, a Deluxe edition with all the DLC included will just be ported over to Epic Universe.

 

[QuackQuackQuack]

New photo via themeparx.com! background wall inside mushroom kingdom is up, and desert/bowsers castle/icy area are all more visible

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Awesome to great a new photo, been awhile since we’ve had any updates at all for this!

 

[QuackQuackQuack]

Y’all think they’ll delay the opening to a busier time? When the park reopens itll probably be at limited capacity

 

[Brian G.]

Y’all think they’ll delay the opening to a busier time? When the park reopens itll probably be at limited capacity

All they’ve said so far is a couple months. Nothing more specific.

 

[Jamesh22]

Y’all think they’ll delay the opening to a busier time? When the park reopens itll probably be at limited capacity

It will probably work in their favor, they can essentially 'soft open' and make sure everything is running well.

Based on how overcrowded the Japanese parks get I'd say they will need very limited capacity rules in place.

 

[Tristan]

Wow that construction photo looks amazing!

 

[shiekra38]

New photo via themeparx.com! background wall inside mushroom kingdom is up, and desert/bowsers castle/icy area are all more visible View attachment 12137

Wait, are they getting a DK area? What are those pyramid looking things

 

[JungleSkip]

Wait, are they getting a DK area? What are those pyramid looking things

They’re sand dunes from Mario.

 

[QuackQuackQuack]

Wait, are they getting a DK area? What are those pyramid looking things

Part of the Yoshi Ride, though there does seem to be a dk expansion plot coming later on.

 

[Jamesh22]

Wait, are they getting a DK area? What are those pyramid looking things

They already have the DK jungle mural up on the side of the MK show building, and there has been the first signs of land work on the expected DK expansion, but as others have said the pyramids are part of Yoshi.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

So has there been an official delay? I kind of can’t see this opening until 2021, with all the guidelines that will be in place I’m thinking they won’t want a brand new major land to open up. I feel they save it off for 2021 and get everything running nice and smooth for opening. Hopefully gives them all the time in the world for a smooth Mario Kart opening

 

[Alicia]

So has there been an official delay? I kind of can’t see this opening until 2021, with all the guidelines that will be in place I’m thinking they won’t want a brand new major land to open up. I feel they save it off for 2021 and get everything running nice and smooth for opening. Hopefully gives them all the time in the world for a smooth Mario Kart opening

During the latest Comcast earnings call they simply said it would likely be delayed a few months. Nothing else was said on the subject if I am remembering correctly.

Of course, the word "likely" is there because it's hard to predict what things will be like next week during this unusual time, let alone later this year.