#Japan’s Nintendo Theme Park Opens in February With Yoshi and Mario Kart Rides – Review Geek

For decades, children have dreamed of walking through a full-sized version of Mario’s colorful game world. Starting February 4th, you’ll be able to, at least if you can get to Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan. That’s when Super Nintendo World, the first Nintendo-branded theme park, opens to the public.

Super Nintendo World has been under construction for years, but if the sizzle reel is anything to go by, it’s worth it. Life-sized versions of pretty much every element of classic Mario games is on display, from the warp pipe entrance to castles for both Princess Peach and Bowser.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Nc9au7FjY

The first two rides for the park are themed on Mario’s trusty steed Yoshi and Mario Kart, the latter of which includes AR goggles and interactive elements to punch up the on-rails ride with some competition between players. The next planned expansion will center around Donkey Kong.

Universal Studios Japan is adhering to the country’s strict COVID guidelines, including mandatory mask usage for all attendees. Japan has handled the pandemic extremely well, but the unpredictable nature of things can’t help but put a question mark next to that February opening day. Similar Nintendo-themed areas are planned for the Universal Studios parks in Orlando and Hollywood.

Source: PR Times Japan via The Verge