Universal Studios Japan has released an area map for its next Super Nintendo World area, themed around characters from the Mario games and their spinoff universe. As of today, the park has invited selected Club Universal members and annual pass holders to experience the new area first hand before it opened on February 4, 2021.
The Super Nintendo World is the most complex area of the USJ to date. We had already seen some glimpses of Mario Kart’s rides: Koopa’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure (and IGN Japan previously published a video showing the interior of Bowser Castle); now USJ has shared some details of the Kinopio Cafe menu (Kinopio is the Japanese name for Toad), which includes Bacon & Cheese Mario Burger, Piranha Plant Caprese and Question Block Tiramisu. The merchandise to be sold at the 1Up Factory Shop includes Mario-themed sweatshirts, glasses and mustache gloves, as well as the beautiful Tokotoko Mario toy shown by Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto during his video tour of the park, launched last weekend. Check out the images of some dishes and merchandise below.
* Images provided by Universal Studios Japan, © Nintendo
In addition to the large-scale facilities and attractions, there will be activities where guests can collect virtual coins and play against enemy characters using a Power Up Band (3,200 yen including tax, or about $ 31 / £ 23) that can be linked to a smartphone application. This will include activities and challenges whose Japanese names translate to “Aim! Koopa Troopa POW Block Punch ”and“ Stop! Piranha Plant Alarm Panic ”.
There will also be a Meet & Greet photo spot, where visitors can meet Mario and Luigi, take pictures with them and even chat with them.
Japanese superstar YouTuber Hikakin has been named a partner of USJ, and has posted a sponsored video of her Super Nintendo World experience on her channel that shows a little more detail.
Universal Studios Japan is located in Osaka, Japan. Super Mario World was originally scheduled to open last summer, but has been postponed to the current opening date of February 4, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan is currently not granting entry to foreign tourists until further notice, so Nintendo fans outside Japan will have to wait before they can visit – although a Super Nintendo World area will eventually be added to Universal Studios theme parks in Hollywood, Florida and Singapore.
For more information on USJ’s collaboration with Nintendo, check out our Mario Cafe & Store report in the main park area, which is now open, selling specially designed exclusive snacks and themed products about Mario and friends; and a look around Bowser Castle and a peek at the Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge tour.
Daniel Robson is chief editor of IGN Japan. Follow him on Twitter for all your Japan theme park game needs, tokotoko.