Though we’ve known about Universal Orlando Resort’s plan to bring Super Nintendo World to life inside Universal Studios Florida since 2015, it has been a long time since we have heard anything about this new land coming to Florida, with plans reportedly shifting away from putting this new area at the current resort, and instead building it at Universal’s Epic Universe.
However, while the wait continues for news about the Florida version of this land, Universal just confirmed some MAJOR new details about the first Super Nintendo World, coming soon to Universal Studios Japan. And if this version of the land is anything like the one that is planned for Universal Orlando Resort, it might just be one of the best theme park lands ever!
There will be two rides in this new land based on classic Nintendo characters
Image: Nintendo
According to Universal Parks and Resorts Chairman, Tom Williams (who spoke recently at a Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference) the new Super Nintendo World land in Universal Studios Japan is on track to open in early 2020, less than a year from now!
And when Super Nintendo World opens, Williams confirmed that it will feature two rides: an omnimover-style ride inspired by Yoshi and a real-world Mario Kart experience. Though Universal declined to give any official details beyond these, rumors suggest the Yoshi ride will be particularly impressive and feature over 40 animatronics as well as a scenic view of the park from one of the highest points in all of Super Nintendo World.
The world will be interactive in a way that extends beyond the park
Image: Universal Studios Japan
Though interactivity in theme parks is nothing new thanks to innovation seen most recently at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, these experiences have historically been limited to in-park activities. However, Super Nintendo World will be changing how guests can interact with a theme park land, long after they leave.
When guests enter Super Nintendo World, they will be given special Mario magnetic wristbands that will keep track of their score in interactive games around the park. These special bands (which guests can keep) will then sync back to a guest’s Nintendo home console so that they can continue their Super Nintendo World adventure from home. Though we don’t know if this will be unlocked through games, downloads, or something else, the idea of bringing a piece of Super Nintendo World home and being able to interact with it in a meaningful way outside of the park is really exciting, and definitely a feature we want to hear more about as soon as possible!
There will be a second phase at Universal Studios Japan
Image: Universal
Though we know that eventually there will be three more Super Nintendo Worlds at parks across the world including Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, and Universal Studios Singapore, no details or opening dates have been offered for those just yet. However, one thing we do know is that even though these initial plans for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan already sound pretty amazing, a second phase of this amazing new land is already in development, and more will be announced about what this expansion will entail soon!
Image: Universal
Though we’ve only learned the most basic of details regarding this new land, we can’t wait to learn more about Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. And though this popular Asian park might be a long way to visit for the majority of Theme Park Tourist readers, hopefully this new land opening can give us some insight into what the other versions of this land (including the two US versions) will look like when they are constructed and open in the next few years!
