It was reported over the weekend (I’ve been busy) that Universal Studios Japan will be investing nearly $2 billion USD for a 15-acre expansion onto an adjacent property. The formal announcement will be made on this coming Thursday, September 3. While no details have been made yet, various sources are in agreement that it will almost certainly be a new phase of Super Nintendo World, though the disagreement comes in which specific IP it will be. The two main camps are it will either be The Legend of Zelda or Pokémon. A third, smaller contingent, believes that it will be an all anime land, a permanent installation for the seasonal “COOL JAPAN” events.
Now in the grander scheme of things, this is a huge win for Universal Orlando (and Hollywood, but it’s harder for me to get excited about them). As you know, Nintendo’s arrangement with Universal specifies that all new licenses have to go through Osaka first, before they can be replicated internationally. Whatever is announced will eventually be making it’s way stateside.
Now, as for my personal analysis, I’ve concluded that Pokémon is the most logical first choice (not saying the TLOZ won’t be happening, just maybe a few years down the road). A Pokémon Snap omnimover and an immersive Poke Battle simulator are obvious choices; furthermore, the Power-Up Bands can be adapted for Pokémon GO! style games. I also believe that the two resorts have consulted with each other in advance. Orlando desperately needs a new IP for Islands of Adventure to replace The Lost Continent. If a Pokémon expansion is announced for USJ, then once ground is broken, the same can be announced for IOA.
A Zelda expansion would be perfect for Epic Universe, but with new rides already in the works for Wizarding Paris and Darkmoor Village, there’s less urgency. They probably don’t want construction in three simultaneous portals.