After many years of delays, Super Nintendo World is finally open at Universal Studios in Osaka. Mario fans can now get inside to experience their favourite video game characters up close and live the life of the platforming plumber.
There’s a lot to do and see in Super Nintendo World and it’s a good idea to have a plan of action ready for getting there and what to do when you arrive. In this article, we’ll explain everything you’ll need to know before setting foot in the park yourself.
Super Nintendo World opened its doors to the public in March 2021 after a short delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The park is currently open to visitors although there are a couple of health and safety measures in place that require guests to:
Guests will also have their temperatures taken when they first enter the park. However, there are no further restrictions beyond this at the moment.
To get to Super Nintendo World you’ll need to visit Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. This is located in the Konohana-Ku neighbourhood of the city, to the north of the Aji River and just 5 minute’s walk away from Universal City JR Station.
If you’re already in Osaka, the park is only about 13 minutes away from Osaka Station by JR train. Alternatively, Universal Studios can be reached directly from Shin Osaka station if you’re a day-tripper arriving by Shinkansen.
Remember if you’re travelling from overseas you may need a Japan online visa before you enter the country.
To visit Super Nintendo World you have to get an “Area Timed Entry Ticket”. This is free but there are limited numbers allowed in the park at any time and you won’t be allowed in without one.
This can either be acquired in advance with your entry pass to Universal Studios Japan or via the park’s official app on the day of your visit.
To get into Super Nintendo World, you’ll need a day entry ticket to Universal Studios Osaka. This can be bought either online or at the park entrance and costs around ¥8,200 ($75) for adults and ¥5,400 ($50) for children under the age of 12.
However, you’ll probably also want to pick up a Power Up Band. This allows you to get the most from the interactive elements of the park. This costs an extra ¥3,200 (or approximately $30).
There’s a huge amount to do and see at Super Nintendo World. The sheer level of detail that has gone into the park is impressive to experience for yourself and you won’t want to miss out on the following 5 activities you’ll find inside.
Perhaps the main attraction of the whole of Super Nintendo World is Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. This is an augmented reality reimagining of Mario Kart blended with a conventional theme park ride.
Rather than passively experiencing the ride, visitors are given special headsets and controls that allow let them shoot shells at other racers and collect coins.
The other main ride in the park is Yoshi’s adventure. This is a bit more slow-paced than its frenetic sibling but allows you to ride Mario’s trusty dino pal up to the best views of Super Nintendo World.
It won’t come as a surprise to many that you can find Mario and Luigi walking around the park. However, there are many other popular characters that can be “met in person” too.
Old favourites like goombas, koopa troopers, bob-ombs, piranha plants and toads can all be seen around the park as automated figures, either in the interactive games or as part of the scenery.
However, the whole themed area is based on Mario only. Therefore fans of other Nintendo wanting to see games like Zelda, Metroid or F-Zero represented might be disappointed for the moment. Yet it is possible more areas based on these franchises might be added in the future.
Nintendo was and still is a toy company first and foremost and that’s easy to see by the variety of exclusive merchandise on sale at the 1-Up Factory gift shop. If you want to collect souvenirs of your day in the park this is the best place to go.
As mentioned before, one of the additional purchases needed to really enjoy Super Nintendo World is the Power Up Band. This allows you to hit coin and key blocks to collect coins, play games and activities around the park and discover secret items.
There are 6 designs of the bands available based on different characters from the Mario series. You can get a wrist strap based on either:
The band can be linked to your phone via the Super Nintendo World app to check your items and progress in the park. Better still, it can also be used as an Amiibo on Nintendo consoles to unlock items, level up characters and more on compatible games.
The Power Up Band can also be used any time you go back to the park. If you haven’t yet completed all the activities and want to try again, just bring it with you on your next visit to continue with your progress.
Another fun interactive experience can be found in the Kinopios Cafe, which is “run by” the toads of the Mushroom Kingdom.
There are screens strategically placed around the restaurant dining area where you can view the toads busily preparing the food in the kitchen. Naturally, most of the dishes here are mushroom themed in some way.
There are also yet more games to enjoy inside that allow you to collect keys, coins and other items with your Power Up Band.
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For Mario fans, Super Nintendo World is a dream come true. If you want to experience the most in-depth recreation of one of your favourite games this is certainly the place to visit.
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