After a long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Universal Japan’s Super Nintendo World will open on March 18. The grand opening of the Nintendo themed area will also kick off the celebration of Universal Japan’s 20th anniversary. The news comes less than a week after the announcement that Universal Orlando’s version of Super Nintendo World will not be released until 2025.
Super Nintendo World is a unique theme park. Not only is it the first park to use Nintendo characters and settings, but it also features a special “Asobi” experience, which allows fans to “play” in the park by virtually collecting coins, keys, stamps and other items – typing questions to mark blocks, naturally. The park then becomes its own type of game, with visitors comparing their scores and recording their progress on Power-Up Bands and smartphones on their wrist.
The park currently has two toys, one with the theme of Mario Kart and the other with the theme of Yoshi, Mario’s vehicular companion / dinosaur. Late last year, Nintendo dedicated a real-life miniature Nintendo Direct to the new park. The park contains all kinds of spectacular Mario-themed products and foods, which you can see more closely through the digital tour on the Nintendo World website.
With Super Nintendo World almost here, the real question now is: when will it be safe enough for me to get my hands on that Mario pancake sandwich?