Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood: Opening Date and Details Revealed

The land will be complete with the highly anticipated signature attraction: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.

Let’s-a go!

Super Nintendo World opened on Feb. 17, 2023, at Universal Studios Hollywood, as shared with iBestTravel.

Making its U.S. debut, Universal describes it as an “innovative, immersive, and highly-anticipated themed land.” Consequently, this land is positioned to be the park’s most significant expansion since the addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2016.

Upon entering through the land’s signature green pipe entryway, guests will be swept into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, becoming an integral part of their exhilarating universe. Inside, their journey is filled with exploration, discovery, and play as they encounter Peach’s castle.

The all-new ride, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, is inspired by the beloved video game series and serves as the land’s flagship attraction. This ride seamlessly fuses cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track.

Set against a “multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound, and movement,” guests will sit in four-set, stadium-style vehicles as they navigate familiar courses using head-mounted AR goggles. Moreover, Universal emphasizes that this concept has never been done before in theme park attractions.

Interactive gameplay is a central aspect of the land, featuring opportunities to punch the famed “?” blocks to collect digital golden coins. Guests can also partake in four key challenges where they must collect keys from Gooma, Koopa Troopa, Piranha Plant, and Thwomp through interactive activities. This ultimately leads to an exciting boss battle with Bowser Jr.

“These energetic, familiar, and fun interactive games will further enhance the entire kinetic experience within the land, immersing guests in the unique world of Super Mario,” Universal shared.

To track scores and enhance the experience, a “Power-Up Band” will be available for purchase. This “wearable, state-of-the-art” wristband, already in use at Universal Studio Japan’s version, deepens interactions across the land and syncs with the existing Universal Studios Hollywood app. The band’s interactive features include individual and group scores, the collection of digital coins, and obtaining keys during challenges. Guests utilizing the band will gain exclusive interaction with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach.

Available in six design options themed around characters, the band can be purchased in Super Nintendo World and at various retail locations throughout the theme park and CityWalk.

To refuel, guests can visit the land’s signature restaurant, Toadstool Café, where they can enjoy a gourmet menu of Nintendo-inspired foods. Additionally, the 1-UP Factory serves as the retail shop where guests can commemorate their experience with collectible memorabilia.

Super Nintendo World is included in admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, with one-day tickets starting at $109.