The joint ￥60bn (US$540m, €480m, £420m) Nintendo and Universal Super Nintendo World project remains on track for a 2020 launch, according to Nintendo representative director Shigeru Miyamoto, who has released some comments on the proposed Japanese and US theme parks.

Originally announced in 2015, and with a ground-breaking ceremony held in Japan in 2017, Super Nintendo World is due to open in time for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. The creative teams from both organisations have been working together to create an attraction that is expected to include Mario Kart rides and interactive experiences.

Shigeru Miyamoto said that as the theme parks will be operated by Universal Parks & Resorts, no comment could be made on anything not yet announced by the operator. However, he added: “Every effort is being made to advance preparations, and Universal Studios Japan is one of our top priorities, as is making sure we will be ready by the start of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. After the opening in Japan, Super Nintendo World areas will also be built in the parks in Hollywood and Orlando in the US for the enjoyment of everyone.

“We are in frequent contact with Universal Parks & Resorts, working closely together to develop the theme park from a creative standpoint. Building work on our area at Universal Studios Japan is progressing, and the construction of interiors will be starting on a full-scale operation. We check on the progress of the work frequently. I think it will be really worth the wait.”

Universal in Japan already operates a highly successful Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, which opened in 2014.