Nintendo and Universal Studios Japan (USJ) have joined hands to bring our beloved world of Super Mario to real life. Fans of Nintendo games – especially Super Mario – will rejoice as USJ’s Super Nintendo World will officially open on 4 February 2021.
Besides the highly anticipated AR Mario Kart ride, you’ll also be able to visit various attractions based on other Nintendo games such as Yoshi.
Image adapted from: Universal Studios Japan
The long-awaited Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan will finally be opening its doors on 4th February 2021. Fans can explore the life-sized castles of Princess Peach and Bowser, as well as participate in rides and games based on the Super Mario and Yoshi series.
Image credit: @USJ_Official
In order to access Super Nintendo World, you’ll have to purchase tickets or Universal Studios Japan passes from the USJ official website. USJ passes can also be purchased from agencies listed here.
To fully enjoy what Super Nintendo World has to offer, you should obtain an “Area Timed Entry Ticket” or “Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advanced Booking”. These tickets allow you to skip long queues and head straight for the rides and attractions. Follow the steps on the USJ website to get these area timed tickets.
Teaser announcement of Super Nintendo World opening
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Image adapted from: Universal Studios Japan
If you thought Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit was cool, wait till you experience the Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge ride at Super Nintendo World. The real-life Mario Kart ride at Universal Studios Japan will truly be an adrenaline-pumping adventure as you race down the track.
You will get to follow alongside your favourite characters from Super Mario – Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach – as you steer your racing karts to victory. Experience the world of Mario Kart racing brought to life through the use of AR headsets and projection mapping. And the best part? The AR headsets are shaped just like Mario’s signature red hat.
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Image adapted from: Universal Studios Japan Official, Universal Studios Japan Official
A ride for the Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge will span roughly 5 minutes. Each race kart can fit up to 4 people. To participate in this ride, you must be over 122cm tall. Children under 92cm in height must be accompanied by an adult.
Yoshi’s Adventure
Image adapted from: Universal Studios Japan
You can also look forward to rides based on other Nintendo games such as the Yoshi series, a Super Mario spin-off franchise featuring the titular green dinosaur.
Players will go on a journey, securely seated on Yoshi’s back, as they help Captain Toad look for eggs that will eventually give them clues to find the precious Golden Egg. As a 2-party ride, it is perfect for couples.
Image adapted from: Universal Studios Japan Official, Universal Studios Japan Official
Do note that both Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure will involve special effects such as strobe lighting and loud noises.
Power-Up Bands
Image adapted from: Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan will also launch a purchasable new item that will make your experience at the Super Nintendo World doubly enjoyable. Get yourself the Power-Up Band for ¥3,200 (~USD30.67) – sync it with the Universal Studios Japan smartphone app to play the various Power Up Band Key Challenges located across the theme park.
These special bands will make you feel like an actual in-game character as you’ll see your game scores, coins, and stamps collected get updated in real time while you take on new challenges.
Examples of Nintendo’s new releases in 2020 and 2021
Image adapted from: Play-Asia, Nintendo, Nintendo, Nintendo
Judging by how Nintendo went all out to celebrate the Super Mario Bros. 35th anniversary back in September, it is safe to say that we will not be disappointed by Super Nintendo World once it opens on 4 February 2021.
2020 may not have gone how we expected, but Nintendo has brought us joy by releasing so many new games in the latter half of this year. On top of that, they’ve also teased us with a slew of new games slated to drop in 2021 – MONSTER HUNTER RISE, Rune Factory 5, and BALAN UNDERWORLD.
Image credit: @USJ_Official
Fans of Super Mario have expressed their excitement for the Super Nintendo World in response to Universal Studios Japan’s announcement tweet. With so much enthusiasm swirling online, it won’t be surprising if tickets get sold out soon. Do book your tickets to USJ early as only a limited pax are allowed to enter each day due to safe-distancing measures.
Let’s kick-start 2021 the right way by having epic fun at the brand new Super Nintendo World, located in Universal Studios Japan, when it opens on 4th February 2021.
Universal Studios Japan
Address: 2-1-33 Konohana Ward, Sakurajima, 554-0031 Osaka
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-5.30PM | Sat & Sun 9AM-7PM
Telephone: 057-020-0606
Website
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Cover image adapted from: Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Japan
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