1-UP: Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates one-year anniversary

UNIVERSAL CITY, Ca. – One year ago, a land based on the Super Nintendo video game franchise opened in Universal Studios Hollywood with an appropriate red carpet event.

Second to Super Nintendo World Japan, the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach is an immersive and innovative experience for fans young and old.

Why is it a big deal? Because the same type of attraction — but larger — is one of five worlds being built at Universal Epic Universe, slated to open in 2025. While we wish we had a warp zone to transport us to opening day, we can at least look back on Feb. 17, 2023 in Hollywood, and think about what’s coming to Orlando.

Warp pipe entrance

The Mushroom Kingdom is sure to bring a rush of nostalgia to all who enter. The journey begins with a walk through a warp pipe through Princess Peach’s castle. From there, guests are greeted with an immersive experience like no other. The vibrant and colorful land has a few attractions to make note of: “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” the Toadstool Café and the 1-UP Factory gift shop.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Speaking of the star attraction, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is a groundbreaking virtual reality experience. Situated on the top of the rolling green hills is Bowser’s castle. When guests step inside, they are greeted by a large statue of Mario’s archvillain, Bowser.

The ride fuses cutting-edge augmented reality with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track, Universal said. Guests will be seated in stadium-style, four-seat ride vehicles as they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head-mounted AR Mario hat-inspired goggles.

Power Up Bands

Through the use of Power Up Bands, guests can have the ultimate gaming experience by finding innovative ways to play, collect coins and gain high scores.

These snap bracelets come in a variety of characters including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Yoshi and Princess Daisy. Guests can find them in gift shops around the theme park or inside Super Nintendo World at a vending machine-style kiosk. At last check, the bands will set you back at least $40.

One thing we can count on to be different in Orlando is the size. Super Nintendo World in Hollywood is fairly compact, built between two sound stages. Universal’s Epic Universe version of Super Nintendo World is expected to be much bigger by comparison as the entire park sits on 750 acres. It’s also expected to be bigger than Universal Studios Japan, even with the planned addition of the Donkey Kong-themed area this year which leaders said will expand the footprint of the land by roughly 70%.

Last year, Nintendo was a dominate force in the entertainment industry. Roughly two months after its first attraction opened stateside, the Super Mario Bros. Movie opened in theaters and became a smash hit going on to earn over $1 billion at the box office. During an earnings call last month, leaders said the theme park division rose 12.2% and generated $2.3 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter. Comcast attributed the increase to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Last month, Universal Orlando Resort dropped a video showing the first peek at Universal Epic Universe, detailing the names of the worlds and the park layout. It’s safe to say that Super Nintendo World can easily be labeled as the most anticipated.

The new park is located a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current theme parks in southwest Orange County, south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard, right around the corner from the Orange County Convention Center. The addition is said to bring in hundreds of jobs within the resort and thousands of jobs across Central Florida.

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