A special website detailing the attractions at Super Nintendo World is now live, giving additional information on the rides, activities, dining options and merchandise that will be available at the new themed area when it launches at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka on February 4. Read on for details, and also be sure to check out our article on the ways Super Nintendo World has been gamified for even more new details on the rides and unlockable achievements awaiting guests at the park.
A video featured on the new site shows what visitors can expect from the area’s two rides, including a mock-up of the AR visuals and projection-mapping incorporated into the ambitious Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge ride, along with the first concrete glimpses of the Yoshi’s Adventure ride, which a USJ spokesman described to us as an all-ages family attraction in the vein of Disneyland’s It’s A Small World. The site lists some basics about each ride, revealing that duration for each will be roughly five minutes, along with useful details such as height restrictions. Check this article for many more details.
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In addition to the previously announced Kinopio Cafe dining area, the new website shows that there will also be Yoshi’s Snack Island food carts in the Nintendo area, serving a noodle-filled calzone shaped like a Koopa Shell as well as mango- and melon-flavoured lassi drinks. The site also shows photos of the two types of popcorn buckets that will be on sale – a Mario Kart bucket with glow-in-the-dark wheels, and a fully glow-in-the-dark Super Star bucket. The previously announced 1Up Factory gift shop will also be joined by a second store, Mario Motors.
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Regarding COVID-19 countermeasures, the USJ spokesman told us that entry to the Nintendo area will be restricted to avoid overcrowding, and that advance registration will be required, available within the USJ app or via a travel agent.
Super Nintendo World is due to open on February 4. However, while COVID-19 numbers in Japan remain considerably lower than in the United States and much of Europe, a recent steady rise in cases has prompted the declaration of a State of Emergency in Tokyo and some surrounding prefectures, starting January 8 and expected to last for up to a month. While Osaka is currently not included in the list of affected prefectures, the USJ spokesman noted that the opening date is currently under internal discussion.
At any rate, Japan is currently not granting tourist visas until further notice, so if you plan to visit Super Nintendo World, you may have to wait. At least the new website will help you to plan for when you get there.
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For even more on Super Nintendo World, check out the recently revealed area map plus some of the exclusive merchandise on sale at the park, a guided tour from Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, and the already-open Mario-themed cafe and shop at USJ.
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Daniel Robson is Chief Editor at IGN Japan. Follow him on Twitter for a glimpse into life and games in Tokyo.