In preparation for Super Nintendo World opening on February 17, 2023, Mario, Bowser, and other citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom have taken over more and more of the theme park’s store shelves. And to add to the excitement, we have a sneak peek at the 1UP Factory, the immersive shop located inside Super Nintendo World! In this Merchandise Update, we’ll preview this upcoming store and look at the latest Super Nintendo World merchandise to arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood, the artsy UNIVRS store in Citywalk, goods celebrating an extraterrestrial anniversary, and more. Here we go…
[UPDATED on January 8 with photos of Super Nintendo World’s 1UP Factory!]
Exploring Super Nintendo World’s 1UP Factory
MiceChat had the opportunity to tour parts of Super Nintendo World ahead of its grand opening. Here’s our preview video:
One of the locations in the land that we could explore was the 1UP Factory, a themed shop.
The shopping location was full of kinetic elements like whirring gears and screens imitating factory machinery. Most of the merchandise stocked was the same as what we had seen in others stores in the theme park.
To see more on additional areas of Super Nintendo World, including the attraction Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and local eatery Toadstool Cafe, I invite you to explore our dedicated article:
Let’s-a-Go! Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates One Year of Super Nintendo World
More Super Nintendo World Merchandise Arrives!
Super Nintendo World merchandise, which originally was only found at Universal Studio Store (Upper Lot), has since expanded to the Feature Presentation Store (Upper Lot), the Character Shop (Lower Lot), and even its own shop in Citywalk. Here are the latest goodies!
Get a “headstart” on your next theme park outfit with these new character headbands. Plush versions of Mario and Luigi sit atop two designs, with the other inspired by Princess Peach’s fashion sense with a plush crown, yellow veil (to match her blonde tresses), and plush “earrings” dangling from the ends of both ends of the band. Which style is your favorite?
Mario’s traditional ectoplasmic foe, Boo, is now featured in a design used on a T-shirt and canvas tote bag.
Unlike many mini backpacks sold at Universal Studios, this style is not from Loungefly or Danielle Nicole and is instead a custom design. It uses an all-over print with 8-bit versions of items found in Super Mario games (coins, Fire Flowers, Super Stars, and such) with a Super Star-shaped charm attached to the zipper pull on the front pocket.
The latest items inspired by the land’s ride, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, include several decorative metal signs, a sheet of decals, and a set of patches.
Chef Toad is opening his own culinary establishment inside Super Nintendo World, and the little guy (Funghi?) is celebrating with a plush of his very own. Joining him are six new plushes of various baddies from Mario’s world.
In addition to the more traditional plushes, there are also a few with special features.
There are Yoshi and Toad plushes that also function as zippered pouches.
It may appear as though there are two plushes in this photo, but there is actually only one. Turn the Question Block plush inside out to transform it into a Super Star.
And finally, Mario, Yoshi, and Toad are now available as plush hand puppets.
Figures of Mario, Yoshi, and Chef Toad have also made their way to the theme park’s stores.
And for a more hands-on play session, you can build 3D metal models of Peach’s and Bowser’s castles.
While these three desk lights are not exclusive to Universal Studios, they are still fun Mario-themed designs.
Get a Taste of the Mushroom Kingdom
All that shopping can make a person pretty hungry. Thankfully, Universal has set up a Super Nintendo-themed snack stand outside the Character Shop on the Lower Lot.
Selling Mario-themed beverages and novelty items, you could think of this as a flavorful teaser for the upcoming land. The drink options include fountain drinks served in a Super Mushroom or 1-UP novelty sipper and different cream sodas (choose peach, strawberry, or green apple flavors) consisting of soda water mixed with flavored syrup, popping boba with the same flavor as the drink, and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Either of the sippers includes one free refill with additional refills for $1.50 on the day of purchase.
Popcorn is also served at the stand. You can purchase it in a cup or this light-up Super Star popcorn bucket. The popcorn bucket includes free refills on the day of purchase.
And if you don’t feel hungry or thirsty just yet but want to secure your sipper or popcorn bucket, you’ll also find them in stores. I spotted the novelty items in the Character Shop in the Lower Lot, the Feature Presentation Store on the Upper Lot, and the Super Nintendo World Store in Universal Citywalk.
You can explore previously-released Super Nintendo World merchandise in our earlier coverage:
Universal Studios Hollywood Opens Super Nintendo World Store & Construction Update
Universal Studios Hollywood Merchandise Update: Ho, Ho, Hollywood!
A Walk Down Citywalk
Two stores have opened since our last visit to Universal Studios Hollywood: the Super Nintendo World Store and UNIVRS.
Super Nintendo World Store
For those who had planned a visit to Universal Citywalk without a visit to Universal Studios, you can still get your Super Nintendo World fix with a visit to the Super Nintendo World store. It carries the same merchandise sold inside the theme park.
The location is decorated in a style similar to the current theming of the Feature Presentation Store. Above the shelves on the walls is a mural depicting the Mushroom Kingdom (hence Princess Peach’s castle), laid out like a platformer level from the beloved Super Mario series.
Props found in the games, like platforms, warp pipes, and the finisher flag, are used as part of the displays.
There is also a photo spot with Mario and a Question Block for social media enthusiasts.
UNIVRS
The other recent addition is UNIVRS. This store is hard to miss, with the huge ship sticking out on top and enormous rubber duck in a Jaws costume displayed in the front window.
This store’s merchandise features an artsy spin on Universal Studios characters. There is a range of licenses utilized, including Despicable Me, The Big Lebowski, Jurassic Park, E.T., and Felix the Cat. Most of the items were types of apparel, but you’ll also find skateboard decks and film-inspired rubber ducks.
E.T. is HOW OLD?!
Can you believe that E.T. is celebrating its 40th anniversary? Fans of the sci-fi film can find themed merchandise over at Production Central at the Upper Lot.
There are several shirts available in a variety of styles.
And Loungefly has also contributed a mini backpack and matching zip-up wallet.
Odds & Ends
Speaking of Loungefly, here are a few other noteworthy accessories from the company that collectors will want to look for. I found them at several locations, including the Universal Studio Store on the Upper Lot and Cartooniversal Toy Store in Universal Citywalk.
The first is a Jurassic World-themed mini backpack made in the Funko POP! art style.
There is also a mini backpack, flap wallet, and crossbody bag inspired by Back to the Future.
And finally, several items from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can now be personalized, including wands, house robes, Quidditch jerseys, journals, and luggage tags. I noted this option being offered at Ollivanders in Hogsmeade and Universal Citywalk’s Universal Studio Store location.
More Universal Studios Hollywood Reading
Planning your first trip to Universal Studios Hollywood? Here’s our guide for how to get the most out of your visit:
And here’s everything we know so far on Universal Studios Hollywood’s upcoming new land, Super Nintendo World:
Let’s-a-Go! Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates One Year of Super Nintendo World
Discount Theme Park Tickets & Hotels!!!
MiceChat brings you the BEST theme park ticket, hotel & package deals! (You’ll find extra nights free, big discounts, and special offers as well).
Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm:
If you live in Southern California, there’s a very special ticket offer for you that runs from January 9th through May 25th:
(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals and we may make a small commission on any sales made through our links)
Let’s Hear from You
What was your favorite of the merchandise highlighted in this Update? Are you excited to experience Super Nintendo World when it opens? Which Citywalk store is your favorite? And can you believe E.T. is 40 years old? Let us know in the comments below!
Originally published on January 4, 2022.
Updated on January 8, 2022, with images and information on Super Nintendo World’s 1UP Factory store.