It’s been years in the making, but finally Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World has opened its gates to the public.
The long-awaited opening ceremony took place on 18 March 2021, and featured appearances from some of Nintendo’s most popular characters.

The festivities began at around 7:20am on the 18 March, with the gathering of guests and representatives of Nintendo Co. at Universal Studios ‘Super Star Plaza’ which is the entrance to the newest portion of the theme park.

Guests looked on with excitement as a familiar cast of Nintendo characters – Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad etc – joined Game designer and CEO of Nintendo, Shigeru Miyamoto, and President and CEO of USJ, JL Bonnier, to give greetings and introduce the opening of the Super Nintendo World project which has taken more than 6 years to complete, and has involved creators from all over the world.

Shigeru Miyamoto (Game Designer, Director Fellow and Nintendo Co. CEO) on the opening:

“Super Nintendo World is a theme park that realistically reproduces the gaming world of Super Mario. Come take a visit and you’ll be amazed, not only the convincing aesthetics, but also by the impressive rides designed and put together by the Universal Studios creative team.
Among them, ‘Mario Kart’ was completed by combining many years of experience of both Universal Studios and Nintendo, and the latest technology.
I hope that the ride will allow all generations to experience the world of Super Mario through all five senses.”

JL Bonnier (President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan) on the opening:

“It took more than 6 years from the birth of the idea, but with the creativity of Universal Studios, ‘Super Nintendo World’ will become a world-class brand. I am happy that I was able to be a part of this.
‘Super Nintendo World’ is a place where everyone can become the hero of their dreams; Mario. That’s right, WE ARE MARIO!
You can use your whole body to rampage around this realistic world of games. In a difficult time like this, we need experiences and play that allow us to unleash our ‘super-energy’ from the depths of our hearts. I am certain that Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World can truly revitalise your energy.”

As the guests called out the countdown, Miyamoto, Bonnier and the cast of Nintendo raised their fists to the air in unison, just like the all too familiar ‘Mario Pose’, shouting “Release your playful energy! WE ARE MARIO!’, and finally the area opened at 7:40am.

As the colourful flags bearing the Super Nintendo World and USJ logos fluttered in the spring breeze, the guests rushed through the warp pipes in order to “warp” into the gaming world.
The excitement and joy was obvious on the faces of visitors as they jumped around calling out ‘This is amazing! I’m in the world of Mario!’

Super Nintendo World is Universal Studios Japan’s first multi-storey area in the theme park. Visitors can enjoy the Mario Kart – Kuppa’s Challenge ride attraction and actually compete with the characters from the gaming series, as Peach Castle and Bowser Castle watch from overhead.
For those looking for something more family-orientatedYoshi’s Adventure provides inclusive fun for everyone. And when energy levels start to drop, Chef Toad has got your back with a range of restaurants featuring Nintendo-themed food to fill you up!

Fly through the air, hit blocks and collect coins using your whole body – just like a Super Mario character!

Before diving into the fun, make sure to pick up a ’power-up band. Costing 3,200 yen, the band will provide you with a ‘next-generation theme park experience’ – link it up to the USJ app on your smartphone and use it to log your progress through the park.
Collect stamps and compete against other visitors by interacting with the park itself, such as by hitting a power-up block to receive coins. The highscores will be displayed in the app itself and at certain locations dotted around the park, so make sure to get involved for the ultimate Super Nintendo World experience.

So that’s it! Super Nintendo World has officially opened its doors – or should we say pipes?
Head over to USJ to jump into the world of Super Mario!