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Super Nintendo World is finally set to open its doors in 2021 at Universal Studios Japan, bringing the Mushroom Kingdom to life complete with a real-life Mario Kart ride, Yoshi ride and a Bowser’s Castle.
Other highlights will include special Power-Up Bands you can buy to interact with the land, so it really feels like you’re immersed in a Super Mario game.
The new park is set to open later this year although there’s no exact opening date at the time of writing.
Of course, a trip to Japan may not be on the cards yet for Brits thanks to ongoing travel restrictions, but we take a look at everything we know about the theme park so far, for a fix of wanderlust until we can start travelling again!
Check out our Super Nintendo World guide below…
(Oh, and we’ve also got a guide for thrill-seekers to all more new theme park openings and rides for 2021 including some UK options too!).
What is Super Nintendo World?
It’s a new addition to Universal Studios Japan, which pays tribute to the world of Super Mario. The land is decked out to look like Mushroom Kingdom, complete with popular characters, themed food and drink and themed rides.
There will also be interactive elements to the park to allow visitors to immerse themselves as if they really are in a Mario video game.
What rides are there?
The biggest highlights has to be the real-life Mario Kart ride, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge ride.
Riders will sit in life-sized Mario Karts and race along, with high-tech effects meaning you can throw shells and take out opponents to claim the cup. Each kart will hold up to four riders, and you’ll be able to take on some of those beloved tracks you can play in the real game
(The park has previously shared a teaser look at the new ride ).
There’s also a second ride tailored to younger visitors, Yoshi’s Adventure. Here, you climb atop Yoshi’s back and follow Captain Toad on a treasure hunting adventure, looking for three eggs that lead the way to the mysterious Golden Egg.
What’s interactive about it?
Visitors will be able to buy Power-Up Bands, which can be linked to the theme park’s app. With this band on you can interact with the land such as punching blocks to collect coins, finding hidden surprises around the park and playing games to collect coins, or even seeking out special stamps in a bid to up your ranking in the game.
There will be ‘Key Challenge’ attractions to win more character stamps and retrieve the Golden Mushroom stolen by Bowser Jr. Oh and yes – there’s a dramatic boss battle which will require you to “use your entire body and all your instincts to win”.
Food and drink
Those feeling peckish can head to Kinopio’s Cafe, a Toad House has been transformed into a restaurant. Here you’ll find ‘Super Mushroom Pizza Bowls’, blocks filled with tiramisu, and even a Piranha Plant salad.
Guests can also buy Mario themed popcorn buckets, or stop off for a snack at the aptly named Yoshi’s Snack Island (complete with ‘green shell’ calzones).
You can take a sneak peek here of other fun themed offerings including the shops.
When is it opening?
Super Nintendo World was due to open on February 4, but a state emergency in Japan’s Osaka prefecture means that this has been delayed. At the time of writing no new opening date has been confirmed, but it’s expected to open when the state emergency lifts.
You can get the latest updates on the Super Nintendo World website.
As for travelling to Japan? The Foreign Office’s Japan travel advice is where you’ll find new updates including ongoing restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.