Super Nintendo World, an innovative and immersive Nintendo-themed land, is officially opening at Universal Studios Hollywood in California on 17 February 2023.
Developed by Nintendo and Universal Creative, the new Super Nintendo World is described as a “visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity” in a statement from Universal Studios Hollywood.
After passing through the iconic green pipe, guests will experience the groundbreaking Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride, as well as the Toadstool Cafe and 1-UP Factory shop.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is a state-of-the-art ride inspired by the Mario Kart video game series. It features cutting-edge augmented reality (AR), projection mapping technology and set pieces.
Nintendo-themed land to open in February
Wearing AR goggles, guests will navigate underwater courses and courses in the clouds as part of Team Mario while they compete for the Golden Cup and collect coins to defeat Team Bowser.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, one of the most complex rides ever created within the theme park industry, is similar to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge at Universal Studios Japan.
Also on offer at the first Super Nintendo World in the US is Bowser’s Castle, Peach’s Castle and Mount Beanpole, a towering landmark that will serve as the queue for the Mario Kart ride.
As for interactivity, the Power-Up Band is a wearable wristband that syncs with Universal Studios Hollywood’s free app to enhance and gamify the visitor experience.
Many of Super Nintendo World’s attractions and experiences are gamified. Visitors will be able to physically hit the land’s Question Blocks to collect coins, and will collect keys and unlock gameplay opportunities in ‘Key Challenges’.
At the Toadstool Cafe, guests will enjoy dishes such as ‘Super Mushroom Soup’, ‘Piranha Plant Caprese’, ‘Mario Bacon Cheeseburger’, and ‘Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger’.
Super Nintendo World first opened at Universal Studios Japan last year. It is already being expanded to offer the world’s first Donkey Kong-themed area.
Universal’s Nintendo land is also heading to Florida as part of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando, and is being developed for Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa.
Images: Universal / Nintendo
