Universal Studios Japan (USJ) on Thursday (March 18) opens its $550 million, pandemic-delayed Mario-themed attraction in a major leap forward in games maker Nintendo Co Ltd's efforts to expand beyond the virtual world.

Mario leaps into real world with Universal Studios launch

Universal Studios Japan will open its new Nintendo themed area on Feb. 4, the Osaka-based theme park said on Monday, after pushing back the opening from the summer due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Universal Studios Japan to open Super Nintendo World area on February 4

Jaws is back. So are the herd of Hippogriffs from Hogwarts, and the T.Rex from Jurassic Park as Universal Studios Japan said on Monday its theme park in Osaka would open later this month for the first time since closing in March due to the coronavirus.

'Jaws' returns as Universal Studios Japan is set to reopen this month