Universal Studios Hollywood is on the verge of opening their doors to Super Nintendo World! Super Nintendo World brings to life the full-sized version of the video games for Mario Brothers fans young and old. Never would thirteen year old me imagine that in the future there’d be an actual theme park where I could walk around Bowser’s Castle or actual sit in a Mario Kart and race virtually. Except, when I fall off of Rainbow Bridge this time, I won’t die.
Although Fanboys didn’t get invited to the press tour, Nerdist.com did-along with a few other outlets, and things look amazing!
As soon as guests walk through the entry pipe and see a bit of classic Nintendo-style castle bricks, they come out into a huge circular plaza with height making up for any width. Everywhere you look, you’ll see familiar characters, images, and lettering. You’ll see a Spiky on top of one mountain and a walking Koopa Troopa on top of another. And yes indeed, Bowser’s castle looms the largest, because of course it does.
Nerdist.com
The theme park immerses you inside the world of Super Nintendo with familiar stylized hills, mountains, cliffs, and obstacles from the games. And, if that wasn’t enough, you can interact as if you’re inside the game. Any guest who wishes to can purchase a Power-Up wristband that will keep your score as you move around the area. You can hit question blocks and POWs and the world will react to you. What!? I can actually hit questions blocks? How fun is that!
The park isn’t quite ready yet. It will open their doors on February 17th, 2023. So, It’s not that far off. That will be followed closely by the new Movie which is slated to release on April 7, 2023. Could we be entering a new era of Super Mario Bros. fandom? Actually the real question is, will Nintendo finally let Funko release a Pop! version of Mario and Luigi? I know, maybe I’m already asking for too much. Look, we just got a theme park alright. Baby steps.