Mario, Mushrooms, and AR Go-Karts: We Bounce Into Super Nintendo World
Mario is real, at least at Universal Studios Hollywood. The park’s newest addition, Super Nintendo World, opens February 17 and is packed full of wonder for any fan of Nintendo’s mascot and friends. We got a close look at the attractions and incredible technology that makes Super Nintendo World work ahead of the grand opening. Follow our adventure below.
Super Nintendo World, located on Universal Studio Hollywood’s lower lot, is appropriately entered through a giant warp pipe. A stroll through the pipe leads to the foyer of Princess Peach’s castle, which in turn opens into the rest of the Mario-themed park. Spin around and gaze upon the entry, which strongly resembles the beginning of Super Mario 64.
The entire Nintendo-themed zone is filled with familiar sights, including the flat green-and-brown hills of the New Super Mario Bros. games’ first levels, floating (or at least wall-mounted) question mark blocks, huge piranha plants, and Bowser’s castle looming in the distance. While Peach’s castle serves as the entrance to Super Nintendo World, Bowser’s is home to the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride, which is a spectacle unto itself.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is the only actual ride in Super Nintendo World, though there’s also the Toadstool Cafe restaurant and the 1-Up Factory gift shop. There’s also the smaller Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown attraction, which you need to unlock by collecting keys in the park using your optional Power-Up Band. Power-Up Bands are the big technological gimmick of Super Nintendo World.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is a Mario Kart-themed augmented reality ride, though it’s a visual feast well before you put on the visor. The entire line leading up to the ride is a winding path that
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