Universal Studios has announced that Super Nintendo World, the official Super Mario theme park first opened in Japan, is coming to the United States next year. The development of the original Japanese theme park struggled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and even after the park was complete it had to be closed due to the pandemic. Super Nintendo World is currently open following these closures, but due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, some fans are still struggling to visit.
Despite these challenges, the park has persisted, and development on its various attractions remains ongoing. In 2021, construction was sighted that hinted at a major expansion to the park, which would introduce attractions based on the Donkey Kong franchise, a close relative of Super Mario ever since the iconic arcade game which debuted both characters. Following this discovery, it was officially confirmed that Super Nintendo World will get Donkey Kong content, set to open sometime in 2024.
But before that happens, fans in the US have something else to look forward to. On Mario Day, March 10th, the official Twitter account for Universal Studios Hollywood confirmed that Super Nintendo World will be arriving at the LA park in 2023. Details on this US iteration of the park, such as how it may differ from the original Japanese locations, are scarce at the time of this writing. However, the announcement tweet did note that exclusive Mario merchandise will be available at Universal Studios' Feature Presentation store soon.
If Universal Studios Hollywood's iteration of Super Nintendo World hits its 2023 release date, it will be the first version of the park to open in the United States. Another US-based Super Nintendo World was planned for Orlando, but it was hit with a huge delay, and is now expected to open in 2025. It remains to be seen if Universal's other locations in Beijing and Singapore will receive Super Nintendo Worlds of their own.
Despite its lengthy and troubled development, Japan's Super Nintendo World is held in high regard for its faithful and fun homage to one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time. The work that went into bringing the park to life can be seen in many of its aspects, including the Mario Kart ride, which was actually designed using a game engine like the franchise it replicates. If the Hollywood version can successfully replicate the features that made the original Super Nintendo World such an icon, it will likely establish itself as a prime vacation spot for US-based gaming fans without the resources for overseas travel.