Super Nintendo World to make U.S. debut in 2023

The first theme park in the United States built around characters from the Nintendo universe will open outside of Los Angeles next year, Universal Studios Hollywood announced last Thursday (March 10).

“SUPER NINTENDO WORLD,” an “innovative, immersive and highly-anticipated themed land,” will sit in a newly-expanded area of Universal and will feature much-loved Super Mario characters like Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach.

A news release promises an “immersive land” of “vibrant colours and architectural ingenuity” that includes groundbreaking ride and interactive areas to be enjoyed by the whole family, along with themed shopping and dining.

Super Nintendo World first opened at Universal Studios Japan “to rave consumer and critical reviews in 2021,” the release says.

The Japanese version offers attractions like real-life Mario Kart racing, a treasure hunt with Yoshi, and a walk through a tunnel that looks like a green “warp pipe” that leads into a world of life-size coins, blocks and villains like Goombas and Piranha Plants.

As the countdown begins to the land’s U.S. debut, Universal Studios Hollywood will unveil a takeover of its popular Feature Presentation retail store with Super Nintendo World theming, opening soon.

Located just inside the theme park’s main entrance, guests will have a chance to share their excitement for the land’s 2023 arrival by gearing up with merchandise such as Mario and Luigi themed apparel and iconic character hats.

A selection of plush characters, including Yoshi, Mario, Bowser and Luigi in a variety of sizes, will also be among the many items available for purchase.

More information and details will be shared soon, Universal says. Check back at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for updates.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.