Universal Parks & Resorts made their partnership with Nintendo public in 2015. In early 2021, Super Nintendo World made its first debut at Universal Studios Japan. After nearly eight years since the partnership was announced and about two years since the first themed land opened, Universal Studios Hollywood is now just weeks away from opening its very own version of Super Nintendo World. Whether you’re a fan of Nintendo or not, you’re sure to enjoy what Super Nintendo World has in store, so here’s why you should get excited about this all-new area (as if you probably aren’t already): it’ll bring the world of Nintendo to life, it’ll feature interactive experiences, and it will bring yet another immersive land to the park. These points are explored in further detail below.
It Brings the World of Nintendo to Life
Nintendo has been a part of the lives of so many people, from childhood into adulthood. Many of us have used warp pipes, explored Princess Peach’s Castle, raced through Rainbow Road, and ventured into Bowser’s Castle. Much of that and more will become a reality when Super Nintendo World finally opens at Universal Studios Hollywood, so it’s no wonder the park’s newest addition is garnering attention—it’s basically a dream come true.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s version will include a new attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge; a themed dining location, Toadstool Cafe; and a store, 1-UP Factory, adding additional experiences for park guests to enjoy and bringing to life some of Nintendo’s most popular game features.
The iconic part: you’ll enter Super Nintendo World through a warp pipe, transporting you from the park’s Lower Lot directly into Princess Peach’s Castle, which leads to the rest of the fantastical world of Nintendo. The warp pipe will even feature special effects to create a unique, immersive gateway. Another small, yet incredible detail to keep an eye out for: moving elements, including spinning coins, shifting clouds, falling Thwomps, spinning shells, and more. Plus, you’ll get to meet Mario and friends face-to-face. It’s like you’re leaving the real world and stepping into the video games.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Super Nintendo World is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. Because who doesn’t love Mario Kart? For the attraction’s queue, you’ll step inside Bowser’s infamous castle, lined with stone walls, spiked fences, and iron doors inside. While touring the castle, you’ll see medallions, trophies, the prized Golden Cup, and Bowser’s plan to defeat Team Mario as you prepare to compete on the track. You’ll then board your race vehicle and battle Team Bowser alongside Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach on iconic Mario Kart courses. Throughout the race, you’ll also get to collect coins and throw shells to win the Golden Cup. To recreate the iconic environments throughout the ride, augmented reality, projection mapping, screen projection, and physical sets are used.
Interactive Experiences
Another exciting feature of Super Nintendo World is the interactive experiences. With the purchase of a Power-Up Band, you can essentially play the Nintendo games in real life by punching blocks, taking part in mini-games, completing tasks and events, and more. The activities you take part in will earn you coins and stamps, so you can track your progress and see how you rank among others.
These experiences make Super Nintendo World considerably immersive and perhaps the most interactive land at a theme park—it’s truly a game changer! These interactive elements allow you to get even more out of your experience in Super Nintendo World, presenting the themed land as beyond just the home to a ride, but a place to actually explore and interact with.
More Immersive Lands in the Park
Universal Studios Hollywood has been growing its lineup of immersive lands at its theme park—from the Illumination/Despicable Me and Simpsons’ Springfield areas to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and now Super Nintendo World. These themed areas are transforming Universal Studios Hollywood from a movie studio with a few rides to a true theme park destination, complete with fun rides, additional dining options, and wondrous places to get lost in, giving travelers all the more reasons to visit. It’s amazing to see how much the park has changed over the years. So long are the days of hopping from ride to ride. These immersive lands give you a reason to take your time so that you can enjoy the unique offerings available.
Super Nintendo World is set to officially open at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 17th. As Mario would say: “Here we go!”
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