Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan has gotten tons of attention since its reveal and opening, with a California equivalent currently under construction. Not only does the park have an entire themed land dedicated to the Mushroom Kingdom, but there are plans to expand and include a Donkey Kong land as well. Fortunately, Super Nintendo World will also be franchised out to multiple Universal resorts, starting with the in-construction Hollywood location.
There are multiple reasons why the park has been popular and part of the excitement comes from an immersive Nintendo experience. In the original teaser for Universal Studios Japan, Shigeru Miyamoto showcased both the restaurants as well as the interactive features of the Mario landscape. The rides, themed after Yoshi and an in-game engine version of Mario Kart, add to the experience of walking around with a “Power Band” Amiibo and collecting keys from visiting key locations around the park.
Universal Studios Hollywood hasn’t revealed a full ride list nor given an exact opening date for Super Nintendo World California. However, Nintendo fans can expect the park to open sometime in 2023. There’s still more to learn, but based on construction outside current park boundaries, progress is being made. There’s enough evidence to believe Nintendo and Universal will meet their current opening window, and that fans will be able to explore the Mushroom Kingdom in real-life next year.
Super Nintendo World In Hollywood Is Slated To Open In 2023
According to the official Nintendo website, the park is still aiming for a 2023 opening window. In addition, the lead-up to the opening will include a takeover at Universal’s “Feature Presentation” merchandise shop, where guests will be able to buy merchandise like plushes and other apparel. There will also be themed restaurants and shopping areas when Super Nintendo Land opens near Universal's Hollywood Hills in 2023 next to the Jurassic Park area.
Since Universal Studios Hollywood is built into the side of a hill, there’s a large section of construction that can be seen from the large escalators down to Jurassic World: The Ride. There doesn’t seem to be much room for the site, but a section behind the Jurassic Café is being renovated with green, blocky hills and flagpoles. While there might not be room for rides like the Yoshi ride that circles the park in Japan, there are enough differences in the Hollywood version of Universal Studios that there could still be unique ride announcements separate from Super Nintendo World's upcoming Donkey Kong expansion in 2024.
With the Mario movie being released later this year by Universal, there will probably be a large push towards the end of the year to promote both the new land and film in tandem. While the release date of the film doesn’t coincide with the 2023 window of the amusement park, there’s definitely an incentive to have them happen as close as possible to each other to maximize brand awareness. Given the warmer temperatures of California, Super Nintendo World will most likely be open year-round, so guests in the United States won’t need to venture outside the country to experience it.
Source: Nintendo