Mario fans rejoice! Universal Studios Japan shared some footage of its upcoming new land “Super Nintendo World,” filled with all things Super Mario-related. This land will be very similar to what’s currently being built at Universal Studios Hollywood, so consider this a preview. . .
In a Nintendo Direct video stream, Shigeru Miyamoto (the father of the iconic Mario Bros. games) took a brief tour through the land that opens in February of 2021.
There’s a lot of really interesting things to see… PLUS there are versions of this land being built around the world, including here in the US. We have a summary of what’s coming, including rides, shops, restaurants, and interactive elements in the land.
Universal Studios Japan Super Nintendo World
Guests enter through pipes, just like how Mario transitions between levels. This is particularly exciting because the games don’t show the interior of the pipes. It’s essentially a warp drive that takes you from Universal Studios Japan and into the heart of the Mushroom Kingdom.
As soon as you make it out of the pipes, you’re landed in Princess Peach’s castle. The music of Super Mario 64 is playing all around you.
From there, you walk into Mushroom Kingdom. All around the area there are moving animatronics of video game characters, like Yoshi and goombas, that move just like their in-game counterparts do
Like the Wizarding World, the land is interactive. Though, here you can actual score points as you interact, via new Power-Up Bands.
These are used for various activities (think like how Disneyland used its Data Pad app for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), and you’ll be using them a LOT. The Power-Up Bands are partnered with an app, and keeps track of how many coins you accrue during your visit to Super Nintendo Land.
Plus, it also works like an amiibo (interactive figures for the Nintendo Switch), so there’s some continued usage at home too! Tapping the Power-Up Band will cause certain elements to turn on, make sound; it’s what makes you feel like you’re in a Mario game.
We walked through part of Mushroom Kingdom and saw a Piranha Plant, but it’s a secret for now… There’s simply too much stuff to cover within just 15 short minutes. Plus you’ve gotta keep some stuff a surprise…
There’s a Koopa Troopa activity that uses POW blocks to play a game. Lots of mini-games around Super Nintendo World. The games earn rewards that are cashed in through the app.
Tapping the Power-Up Blocks will also cause additional effects throughout the land. By playing the various mini-games you can earn keys. If you earn 3 keys, you’ll be able to face, Bowser Jr a boss for the land.
Around the various activities, there’s a lot of interaction. The Power-Up Band is used a lot! You’ve got to keep an eye out because many of the scanning points and interactive elements are somewhat hidden.
The “under ground level” is an interesting maze-like attraction that has guests get up close with danger. Well, sort of. Guests walk through a reconstructed version of a classic Mario game, just keep an eye out for Bomb-Ombs! There’s also an interesting segment that shrinks the players down, so everything is huge!
What’s a visit to a theme park without picking up some merchandise to take home? The 1- Up Factory is the land’s gift shop where you’ll find an array of Super Nintendo World merchandise.
Many of the items are exclusive to the land.
The mini Mario figure animates by pushing him along. He doesn’t require batteries.
And for the popcorn-driven, there’s a specially-made popcorn bucket in the shape of a Super Star! There’s two unique flavors for purchase: Caramel Peach and Mushroom. Are you curious?
Kinopio’s Cafe is one of the food establishments. You can find Chef Toad making food behind a virtual screen. The reoccurring theme for this video was to always be on the lookout for scannable items with your Power-Up Band!
Mushrooms play a big role in what’s available to eat.
The seating area of the cafe has digital screens that give guests an inside look at the Toads making various dishes in the kitchen.
The last thing that was featured was a portion of the upcoming Mario Kart ride “Koopa’s Challenge” that’s located in Bowser’s Castle.
The queue is detailed, with all sorts of things like trophies and statues.
We like this Universal Trophy.
There’s a huge and menacing stone Bowser statue in the queue.
The ride is one of the highlights of Super Nintendo World and took 6 years to develop. It is a racing-type attraction and utilizes augmented reality technology to put players into the game!
This is the first use of AR in a major theme park attraction and we are very interested to see it in use.
In the loading bay, you can see the karts lined up.
This is the 35th anniversary of Super Mario, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with the new Super Nintendo World. Universal Studios Japan and Nintendo’s partnership is a proud pairing, and it was evident in Miyamoto’s tour. Super Nintendo World will open on February 4, 2021.
And while international travel is difficult at the moment, there’s no need to fret. There are plans to build additional Super Nintendo Worlds in Hollywood, Orlando, and also Singapore. We were very glad to hear him say that as Universal Orlando recently delayed their plans for their Epic Universe park, which was supposed to host the Nintendo land. Though, no official word has come from Universal on when or where the Orlando version of the land will be built. The Super Nintendo World in Hollywood is well along in construction and much work was done on the land, even during the park shutdown.
If you’d like to watch the subtitled presentation, we have it for you here:
Update: The English translated site for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan has just been released. You can explore more of this incredible land HERE!
Update: Due to Japan’s state of emergency that is scheduled to last through February 7, the opening of USJ’s Super Nintendo World has been delayed. A new date for the area’s opening will be announced once the state of emergency has been lifted.
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Let’s Hear From You
What did you think of this sneak peek of Super Nintendo World? Do you see the Power-Up Band’s technology being integrated into other theme park attractions? Are you looking forward to this land being built into a Universal Studios near you? Let us know what rides you’d like to see added in the future. We look forward to hearing from you in the comments below.
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