Super Nintendo World is an area located within the Universal Studios Japan theme park in Osaka. In this themed section of the park, visitors enter the universe of Super Mario and other well-known Nintendo characters. With an area of approximately 6,200 m², Super Nintendo World features two main attractions, several interactive games, as well as a shop, a restaurant and a character meeting point.
Super Nintendo World has been meticulously designed to clearly separate it from its surroundings. Visitors enter the area from a small themed plaza through a tunnel in the brand’s signature green. This tunnel, along with panels that mimic the games’ landscapes, maintains the mystery and anticipation that culminates in the discovery of the world of Super Mario.
Super Nintendo World theming features
The area and all its components, from attractions to restaurants, delimited by high perimeter walls, is themed with elements such as brick blocks, question-mark blocks, coins and mushrooms, representing a complete immersion into the Nintendo universe.
Japanexperterna.se - CC BY-SA 2.0
Japanexperterna.se - CC BY-SA 2.0
Challenges in the design and construction of Super Nintendo World
The design and construction of Super Nintendo World presented significant challenges, as teams had to faithfully recreate an environment already familiar to Super Mario fans and meet their expectations. In addition, due to the nature of the elements subject to intellectual property, the brand owner and his creative team oversaw the design and construction process at all times to ensure brand loyalty.
Interactivity and technology in Super Nintendo World theme park
A feature of Super Nintendo World is the use of interactive wristbands. Unlike other theme park wristband applications, the main function of these wristbands is the interactivity between visitors and facilities. The wristbands are synchronised with a mobile application for users to earn virtual coins and feel like the protagonist of a Super Mario game.
Future expansions of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios
The creation of the Super Nintendo World section at Universal Studios Japan represented an investment of approximately $550 million. Opened in 2021, the section is scheduled to expand in 2024, with the addition of a roller coaster inspired by Nintendo’s classic Donkey Kong.
By Tianshu Liu, Senior Architect, Amusement Logic Architecture Dept.
