Universal Studios Hollywood has offered a first look at Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which will be the signature ride for its immersive new land, Super Nintendo World.
Launching in early 2023 as part of the first Super Nintendo World in the US, the interactive ride is inspired by Nintendo’s Mario Kart video game series. It will be housed inside Bowser’s Castle.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge features cutting-edge projecting mapping technology, set pieces and augmented reality (AR) along a moving track to offer an immersive and unparalleled experience.
According to a news release, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is one of the most complex rides ever created within the entertainment industry. It will be similar to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge at Universal Studios Japan.
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 (AR) goggles”.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Guests will climb aboard four-seat Mario Kart vehicles, put on their AR goggles, wait for a signal from Lakitu and begin the race, steering through courses underwater and in the clouds.
Based on Nintendo’s characters and video games, California’s Super Nintendo World will immerse visitors in the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach.
Developed by Nintendo and Universal Creative, Super Nintendo World is located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. It will also offer interactive areas, and themed shopping and dining.
Super Nintendo World first opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2021. The park is already set to expand the land to include the world’s first Donkey Kong-themed area, opening in 2024.
Super Nintendo World is heading to Florida as part of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, and is being created for Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa.
Images: Universal/Nintendo
