Just when we thought our theme parks couldn’t get any better, we found out that a Super Nintendo World is planning to set up camp inside of LA’s very own Universal Studios Hollywood! Meaning, gamers of all ages and expertise will get to experience an immersive world created around what may arguably be the most recognized video game in the world.
We’ve been teased with images of construction since it was first announced in 2016 with no exact details, but the park has finally announced that it will officially open in 2023.
#SuperNintendoWorld is opening in 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood! Level up with exclusive merch at the Feature Presentation store, opening soon. pic.twitter.com/4qh0bDACGN
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) March 10, 2022
Though information about the new theme park has been pretty scarce, we’ve had a glimpse of what’s to come. Universal Core, an account dedicated to industry news, revealed images of a green mountain facade being assembled at Falls Lake.
https://twitter.com/Universal__Core/status/1296564480264962048
They also spotted the arrival of Bower’s castle at the Hollywood studios which can be seen from the ET parking structure, as seen in the post below.
https://twitter.com/Universal__Core/status/1296246358274269184
A bit of a brick wall facade can be seen over the construction fence with fans speculating that it’s part of Yoshi’s shop. And, the mountains have gone up!
https://twitter.com/Universal__Core/status/1320100739339878400
While there’s no further information about what to expect, Newsweek reports that it will be filled with “incredibly fun rides, shops, a restaurant, and interactive gameplay throughout the land.”
Park-goers will also have the option to purchase a “Power Up Band”, equipped with the same technology as the interactive wands at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The bands are designed around the beloved Super Mario Bros characters so get ready to rock wearable versions of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Daisy, and Toad!
The bands will allow visitors to use “their arms, hands, and entire bodies” while exploring the park and also present die-hard gamers the opportunity to collect digital coins, participate in “Key Challenges” and even battle people around them via a smartphone app or Nintendo Switch! (Yes, you’ll be able to punch blocks IRL!) The mobile app will also serve as a go-to source for finding attractions.
As far as rides go, the recently-opened Universal Studios Japan gives us a good idea of what’s in store. It has a life-size Mario Kart ride in addition to a more “child-friendly” option based around Mario’s BFF called Yoshi’s Adventures! Other rides include the Mushroom Kingdom as well as both Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle.
If you were sold at “Mario Kart Ride” then there’s a whole lot more you can look forward to. Expect dual tracks that will set up four-person karts to ‘race’ one another alongside your favorite Nintendo characters — be on the lookout for a final showdown against Bowser which will be sure to test your nerves! Apparently, augmented reality headsets will be the force bringing the indoor ride to life, while the route will take riders through a series of classic Mario Kart worlds passing like Wario’s Castle and Jungle Parkway.
Check back on our sister page, Secret L.A., for updates!