Full official details and photos released for Super Nintendo World, opening Feb. 4
After multiple delays because of the world health situation, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan finally has an opening date. Equally exciting, they have also released official photos from inside the land and attractions and many new details.
Super Nintendo World will open at Universal Studios Japan on Feb. 4, 2021, kicking off the park’s year-long 20th anniversary celebration.
The new video game-inspired land will feature Mario Kart- and Yoshi-themed rides as well as restaurants, shops and other experiences that can only be found at Universal Studios Japan, at least until similar lands are built at Universal’s other parks.
The colorful and interactive area offers a new theme park experience that lets guests immerse themselves in the world by wearing a Power-Up Band, an innovative technology to help bring gameplay to life and allow guests to keep score. Guests with a Power-Up Band can also punch question mark blocks, collect virtual coins and more to bring the experience of playing Super Mario games to the real world.
Bowser’s Castle
Today, images of one of the icons of the new area, Bowser’s Castle were made public for the first time. The inside of the castle has a mysterious atmosphere with stone walls, spiked fences and heavy iron doors along with a massive stone statue of Bowser at the center of a grand staircase. The powerful scale of the statue makes one feel as if Bowser will suddenly start to move.
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
“At the heart of the castle lies the world’s first ever Mario Kart theme park ride based on the Mario Kart series of games, which have sold over 150 Million units,” stated Thomas Geraghty, Sr. Director, Innovation & Global Executive Producer for Mario Kart. “Guests will put on their headset which takes them through the Mario Kart universe to experience never-ending excitement and thrills.”
Guests will race through the iconic courses of Mario Kart with their favorite Nintendo characters and be transported into the Nintendo worlds where they’re not just playing the game, they’re actually being immersed in the game. They will steer into the Mushroom Kingdom and throw shells as they race to the finish line with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach! Win or lose, every race is a brand-new, life-sized Mario Kart experience.
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge is brought to life through a powerful story and characters, advanced technology in augmented reality, projection mapping, and screen projection combined with a physical set that recreates iconic environments in fantastic detail.
Guests will throw shells and take out opponents to race ahead with Mario and Princess Peach! The all-new, life-sized Mario Kart experience has countless thrills and excitement in the world’s first Mario Kart ride experience.
Ride Time: Approximately 5 minutes
Capacity: 4 people (per vehicle)
Height Restriction: Must be over 122 cm or 48 inches *92 cm or 36 inches if accompanied by an adult
The World
Super Nintendo World will make its debut as the first multi-level land at Universal Studios Japan, where Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle tower over the area. It will feature Mario Kart and Yoshi-themed rides and attractions, as well as restaurants, shops and other experiences. It also provides guests with an all-new type of “Asobi” play experience where they will jump, punch question mark blocks and collect virtual coins. Guests can purchase a Power-Up Band in the land and sync it to their smartphones to keep track of their score and compete with other park guests. At Key Challenge attractions, guests can collect keys, gather character stamps and more using their entire bodies in dynamic activities throughout the land.
Yoshi’s Adventure
Guests will climb atop Yoshi’s back and follow Captain Toad on a treasure hunting adventure! Captain Toad has forgotten his treasure map. Guests need to find the three colored eggs that lead the way to the Golden Egg that Captain Toad was seeking. Guests will encounter a spectacular view of the Mushroom Kingdom from Mount Beanpole while having fun on this ride that’s perfect for the whole family.
Ride Time: Approximately 5 minutes
Capacity: 2 people (per vehicle)
Height Restriction: Must be over 122 cm or 48 inches *86 cm or 34 inches if accompanied by an adult
Power-Up Band
Download the Universal Studios Japan app to your smartphone and link it with the Power-Up Band available for purchase in the Super Nintendo World area for an all-new way of experiencing the theme park! Collect virtual coins and check your ranking, collect stamps and use the Power-Up Band to experience the world of the games in real life!
■ Price: all colors ¥3,200 (approximately $30)
■ Available for purchase at Universal Studios Japan Official Online Ticket Store
* Available for purchase when purchasing any type of Universal Express Pass.
Power-Up Band Key Challenge
Retrieve the Golden Mushroom that Bowser Jr. has stolen!
Work your way through the games located throughout the area to collect three keys! Waiting for you is a dramatic boss battle with Bowser Jr. Jump, punch and use your entire body and all your instincts to win.
Recommended Age: 5 years and above
* Purchase of a Power-Up Band required for this experience.
Super Nintendo World is currently being built at Universal Studios Hollywood and is being planned for Universal Orlando Resort. The Hollywood version is expected to be smaller, with less attractions than the Japan version, while Orlando’s is expected to be larger with even more attractions, but nothing has officially been announced about which attractions will be in which parks.
However, if you’re planning on visiting Universal Studios Japan before the land opens, you can get your Super Mario fix by checking out the Mario Cafe and Store filled with themed food and beverages, photo-worthy décor, and plenty of exclusive Mario-themed merchandise to take home from the Mushroom Kingdom.
What do you think of these new details? Will you be planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan when you can or will you wait for the land to be built closer to you? Are you excited to have your photo taken next to the Bowser statue? Let us know in the comments below.
