Universal Studios to open $ 580 million at Nintendo Park in February

Photographer: Soichiro Koriyama / Bloomberg

Universal Studios Japan plans to open its $ 580 million Nintendo attraction on February 4, to finally launch a long-delayed effort to introduce Mario and other beloved characters to real-world theme park visitors.

Super Nintendo World, built on the existing site of Universal Studios Japan, is designed as a life-size replica of Nintendo Co.’s most popular games with rides, shops and walking activities. One of the first attractions will be a ride in a Mario Kart in a recreation of Bowser’s castle. Borrowing an idea from the Super Mario franchise, visitors can collect virtual coins by wearing a dedicated wristband as they explore the area and interact with park features through a Switch console.

Read more: Nintendo plans life-size video game at Universal Studios Japan

The showcase is one of the largest projects ever designed by the operator of the Osaka-based amusement park, which has invested more than 60 billion yen ($ 578 million). It was originally scheduled for a summer opening, but was postponed during the pandemic. Its kick-off could be postponed further, as Japan grapples with a new epidemic and Osaka, where the park is located, becomes one of the worst-affected cities in the country.