Super Nintendo World Opening This Month at Universal Studios Hollywood

Fancy a trip to the San Fernando Valley in sunny California? Theme Park and Nintendo fans now have the perfect excuse to arrange a trip to Los Angeles County with the upcoming grand opening of the official Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Super Nintendo World first appeared at Universal Studios Japan, where visiting fans reacted positively to the Super Mario and Yoshi decals and rides. Following the success of the area in Japan’s Universal theme park, stateside thrill-seekers will now finally have the opportunity to step into the blocky world of Mario and friends for real.

When Does Super Nintendo World Open at Universal Studios?

Following its construction (which began in 2019), the themed area was soft launched for reserved guests on 12th January 2023, allowing an advanced preview of the new rides and attractions.

The new official date for the grand opening is 17th February 2023, when all rides, restaurants, shops and other attractions will be open to the public.

What Rides Are at Super Nintendo World?

The new Universal Studios zone pays homage to Nintendo video game franchises. For now, the attractions focus on the world of Super Mario. But, hopefully, other fun Nintendo franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Donkey Kong, Super Smash Bros. and Metroid will all be incorporated in future.

The main attraction is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which flings riders into the high-speed world of the Mario Kart series. It achieves this in classic dark-ride fashion, with intricate theming, detailed sets, and special effects, albeit with the modern touch of augmented reality. While riding along the track in replica racing karts, the augmented reality visors allow riders to see Mario characters interacting with themselves and other parts of the ride. Riders can also fire Koopa Shell bullets to gain team points against Team Bowser, with the ultimate intention of beating the King of the Koopas and claiming the “Universal Cup”.

Dining opportunities include the Toadstool Café, where you can feast on culinary delights like the Mario or Luigi Burger, Fire Flower Spaghetti & Meatballs, or grab a Princess Peach Cupcake or a glass of Super Star Lemon Squash.

Nintendo-themed merch is also available from the 1-UP Factory store, including t-shirts, collectables, toys and theme park essentials such as ponchos and umbrellas.

Rumoured future rides include Yoshi’s Adventure and Donkey Kong: Mine Cart Madness. The child-friendly Yoshi attraction already operates at Universal Studios Japan, where riders journey on Yoshi-themed cars, absorbing fun animatronics and themed scenery.

We can only speculate on the upcoming Donkey Kong ride, though if it is based on the level from the classic side-scrolling platform game Donkey Kong Country, we can expect to see a fast-paced minecart-style rollercoaster with plenty of sharp bends and unexpected jumps.

Nintendo LEGO Sets

We’ve seen some fun and quirky Nintendo LEGO sets released over the years, including recent additions to the Super Mario theme, which we wrote about in our January blog.

Here are two of our favourite sets from the Nintendo LEGO range —

Nintendo Entertainment System™ 71374

We love this authentic reproduction of the NES console, complete with controller, game cartridge and mini TV. For any gaming enthusiast, this is an ideal set to exhibit near your console or PC setup.

We also provide a Nintendo Entertainment System Display Case with a handy side door to access the TV rotary controls.

Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block 71395

Another great addition to any gaming space is the iconic brick-built recreation of the Super Mario question mark block, which can be paired with our Standard Display Case.

We also provide an XL Display Case option which includes room for the fold-out elements.