Slated to hit Orlando and Japan’s Universal Studios' theme parks,Super Nintendo Worldaims to immerse visitors in the world ofSuper Mario,boasting rides, restaurants, and shops pulled from the franchise’s universe. Last week, it was announced thatOrlando’s variant of the park would be delayed until 2025, however, it seemsMariofans from Japan will be able to visit the attraction relatively soon.
Revealed by Nintendo’s Twitter account, March 18 will mark the grand opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan.The attraction was originally announced back in 2016with the aim of opening its doors in 2020, but the effects of the pandemic soon led to setbacks for the project.
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As for what visitors will be able to do in Super Nintendo World, the attraction aims to be a door into the world ofMarioand the various sub-franchises spinning off from the moustached plumber’s adventures.Several rides have been revealed through press coverage of the park, including anAR-basedMario Kartridewhich allows visitors to experience the chaotic action the kart-racer has become renown for. There will also be a Yoshi ride which sees attendees sit on the back of the green dinosaur as he takes them on a tour of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Outside of rides, the area will be themed around iconicMariolevels, with visitors encouraged to interact with scenery in the park to collect points and eventually use this accumulated currency in a battle with Bowser Jr. When they’re done, they will be able to visit several shops, including a Toad-themed cafe that servesSuper Marioinspired food and a Yoshi drink stands. There will also be a 1-Up gift shop that sellsMariomerch, such as plushies, hats, and toys. With the attraction being stuck in production for so long, it’s sure to gain a lot of traction when its doors open to the public.
Super Nintendo World is yet another example ofNintendo’s newfound interest in expanding theMariofranchise outside of video games. The company has already collaborated with LEGO and released sets based on the iconic platforming mascot, while it will be partnering up withDespicable Mecreators Illumination Studios to bring Mario to the big screen. The film will allegedly be dropping next year, although little is known about its plot or the talent behind it. That’s not to say that the character hasn’t been present in the world of video games, with Nintendo recently releasing a remaster ofSuper Mario 3D Worldbundled with a brand-new, experimentalMarioadventure known asBowser’s Fury.
Universal Studios Japan’sSuper Nintendo Worldwill open on March 18.
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