The adventures of Mario and Luigi are well known even beyond the Mushroom World. We're all familiar with Mario’s different quests and side games with his friends Luigi, Yoshi, and Princess Peach, to name a few. The Super Mario video games have been entertaining different generations since 1985 and its game developer, Nintendo just keeps upping the ante.
How do you top an already iconic game? By experiencing it in real life, of course!
In case you missed it, Super Nintendo World finally opened in Universal Studios Japan in Osaka a few months ago! Fans can enter the green warp pipe to jump into the Mushroom Kingdom and experience the game in real life! The opening was delayed because of the pandemic but at long last the theme park welcomed guests last March 18, 2021. Now you can join Mario and his friends in Super Mario themed rides, talk to life-sized characters, race through Bowser’s Castle, and eat unique delicacies. On top of that, the entire visit is an immersive game where guests compete against each other in the theme park!
The Power-Up Band lets you level up your park experience and rank in the Super Nintendo World leaderboard (but this is totally optional). After purchasing this in the Super Star Plaza, it is the key to maximizing your stay in the world of Mario. With it, you can punch blocks to collect coins and virtual items, participate in challenges with your teams, and experience other cool features. Your band’s character dictates the team you are in, ranging from Mario, Luigi, Toad, Yoshi, Princess Peach, and Princess Daisy. Teams high in the leaderboard get announced every hour and are rewarded with a stamp for their collection. Connecting the band to the Super Nintendo World app helps you monitor your progress!
So what can you expect when you book a visit after the pandemic?
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge!
It's time to drop your controllers because you can finally play Mario Kart in real life! Just get in a car set up at Super Nintendo World and race for yourself with the help of artificial reality goggles. According to the theme park's website, “Iconic Mario Kart courses have been brought to life with cutting-edge technology. Challenge enemies with shells! Aim for the finish line with Mario and Peach! The world's first interactive Mario Kart theme park ride will leave you with a rush of adrenaline!”
Yoshi’s Adventure
Yoshi’s Adventure is perfect for families! Climb on Yoshi’s back to look for Captain Toad and three peculiar eggs. While going through this treasure hunt, guests are treated to a unique view of the Mushroom Kingdom!
Key Challenges
This exclusive challenge is for Power-Up Band holders! Similar to mini quests in the video games, key challenges are small activities that park goers can participate in. Guests can help Princess Peach retrieve the Golden Mushroom stolen by Bowser Jr. To break in Bowser Jr.’s lair, you need to collect three keys spread around the park and guarded by his minions: Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plan Nap Mishap, Thwomp Panel Panic, and Bob-omb Kaboom Room. Afterwards, team up with friends for the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown final challenge and emerge victorious to take back the Golden Mushroom!
Food and Merchandise
Once you’ve grown famished from all your questing, Kinopio’s Cafe is ready to serve! Chef Toad prepared Mario themed dishes and desserts like Mario’s Bacon Cheeseburger and Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl with Mushroom Tomato Sauce. But if you just want a light snack, Yoshi’s Snack Island offers light treats like the Green Shell Calzone Filled with Yakisoba & Cheese and Yoshi’s Lassi. If you simply need to power up in between activities, Pit Stop Popcorn has popcorn buckets shaped like Mario Kart and Super Star you can both wear around your neck!
Want to snag the special Tikotoko Mario toy created by the Nintendo team? Head on over to the 1UP Factory for exclusive merchandise. Lastly, the Mario Cafe & Store also has a wide selection of food and souvenir goodies.
USJ is not the only Universal Studios that will have Super Nintendo World. They are building it in Hollywood, California, Orlando, Florida, and Singapore, too. While it's not ideal to hop on a plane to Osaka right now, we're definitely adding this to our bucket list for the future!
In the meantime, check out the Super Nintendo World Virtual Tour:
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
