Attention U.S. Nintendo gamers: it’s “game on” as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens at Universal Studios Hollywood (nearly a year after the location in Japan opened). This new theme park is an immersive experience into the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach and features the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride and more.
Once guests pass through the iconic green pipe and enter the Mushroom Kingdom, they’re invited to pick a Power-Up Band, a wearable, state-of-the-art wristband that syncs with the Universal Studios Hollywood app to enhance the park’s interactive elements. With the band, guests collect digital coins and earn keys to gain access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.
“Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is inspired by Mario Kart and fuses augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track. The repeatable ride has a variety of outcomes. Also in the Mushroom Kingdom are Mount Beanpole, the entrance for Bowser’s Castle, which houses “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge”; Toadstool Café, the signature restaurant with Mario Bros.-inspired cuisine; and the 1-UP Factor for collectable memorabilia and merchandise.
It looks like a lot of fun. Have you been or are you planning on going? Let me know in the comments and on social.