super nintendo world theme park unveils virtual tour ahead of grand opening in japan

UPDATE 01/13/2021: japan’s awaited super nintendo world is opening to visitors next month but fans around the world can now have a sneak peek as universal studios just launched a virtual tour of its theme park in osaka. from bowser’s castle to mario kart: koopa’s challenge, to yoshi’s adventure, the virtual experience will give nintendo aficionados a glimpse of what’s coming up in february. want to give it a try? check it out following this link.

universal studios has announced the grand opening on february 4, 2021, of the super nintendo world theme park in osaka, japan. the park will bring to life a highly themed and immersive land hosting nintendo’s legendary worlds, characters and adventures. guests will be able to experience their favorite video games, including mario kart and yoshi-themed rides and attractions, as well as restaurants, shops and other experiences found at universal studios japan.

images courtesy of nintendo

as seen on the images, the super nintendo world theme park at universal studios japan is a colorful and interactive zone offering visitors a power-up band which is an innovative wearable technology that helps bring gameplay to life while allowing guests to keep their score. people wearing the power-up band will be able to punch blocks, collect virtual coins and more, just like mario and luigi do it on the video games.

bowser’s castle is another of the attractions present in the park. inside, the castle exudes a mysterious atmosphere with its stone walls, spiked fences and heavy iron doors along with a massive sone statue of bowser at the center of the grand staircase. its scale makes visitors feel as if bowser would suddenly start moving.

‘at the heart of the castle lies the world’s first ever mario kart theme park ride based on the mario kart series of games, which have sold over 150 million units,’ comments thomas geraghty, sr. director, innovation & global executive producer for mario kart. ‘universal creative has partnered with nintendo to bring a real-life racing adventure to universal studios japan with mario kart: koopa’s challenge! guests will put on their headset which takes them through the mario kart universe to experience never-ending excitement and thrills.’

the mario kart theme park ride is the world’s first interactive ride, allowing guests to ride through the iconic courses of mario kart with their favorite nintendo characters. here guests are not just playing the game but actually being immersed in it. they will be able to steer into the mushroom kingdom and throw shells as they race to the finish line with mario, luigi, and princess peach. win or lose, every race is a brand-new, life-sized mario kart experience.