Super Nintendo World has officially opened to the public at Universal Studios Hollywood, with the first visitors enjoying the immersive and interactive new land.
The launch was also attended by Nintendo game developer Shigeru Miyamoto, as well as Shinya Takahashi, the general manager of Nintendo’s entertainment planning and development division.
“We hope people of all ages will enjoy visiting the Mushroom Kingdom in real life and experiencing all the interactive surprises this land has to offer,” said Miyamoto.
“As Mario would say, ‘Let’s-a go!'”
The first Super Nintendo World in the US features the groundbreaking Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride, which uses cutting-edge augmented reality (AR), projection mapping technology and set pieces.
Universal Studios Hollywood describes the ride as a “multi-sensory cornucopia of color, sound and movement that invites guests to navigate familiar environs through the creative use and integration of head-mounted augmented reality goggles”.
Immersive and interactive new land
“This is truly one of the most dynamic moments in the history of Universal Studios Hollywood, and we are very proud of our partnership with Nintendo to bring to life a new genre of highly immersive, next-level interactive theme park entertainment,” said Scott Strobl, executive VP and general manager at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Also on offer within California’s Super Nintendo World are the Toadstool Cafe, 1-UP Factory shop, and iconic locations such as Bowser’s Castle, Peach’s Castle and Mount Beanpole.
The visitor experience is enhanced and gamified using the Power-Up Band, a wearable wristband that syncs with Universal Studios Hollywood’s free app.
Using this wearable technology, guests can physically hit the land’s Question Blocks to collect coins. They can also collect keys and unlock gameplay opportunities in ‘Key Challenges’.
While riding the new Mario Kart attraction – one of the most complex rides ever created within the theme park industry – guests can tap their Power-Up Band on the steering wheel to track digital coins collected and see their ranking.
As for F&B, the Toadstool Cafe is serving dishes including ‘Piranha Plant Caprese’, ‘Super Star Chicken Salad’, ‘Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs’ and ‘? Block Tiramisu’.
Universal Studios Hollywood is selling early access tickets to the new Nintendo attraction. These cost $20 or $25, depending on the date. They allow guests to enter the land one hour before the park opens.
Super Nintendo World first launched at Universal Studios Japan in 2021. It is also heading to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, as well as Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).
Images: Universal / Nintendo
