Before entering a new resurgence
in the videogame industry with their Switch hybrid console, iconic Japanese
videogame company Nintendo was looking at a dim future. In 2015 they tried to
diversify by partnering with Universal Parks and Resorts to open a new themed
area for Universal Studios Japan, populated by characters from Nintendo
particularly the “Super Mario” franchise. Construction began in 2017, in time
for a planned opening with the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. COVID scrapped that
schedule. In February this year, Super Nintendo World finally opened, but only
to USJ annual pass holders. The grand opening happened this Thursday.
For real, “Super Mario” fans; it’s
time to “Do the Mario” if you can travel to Osaka because Universal Studios
Japan finally opened Super Nintendo World for all starting March 18. The Japan Times has it that an opening
ceremony took place Thursday to welcome general admission to the
Nintendo-themed park area, graced with the familiar overworld theme of the
original 1986 “Super Mario Bros.” game on the Nintendo Entertainment System
(NES) as well as the presence of Universal Studios Japan CEO JL Bonnier and “Super
Mario” creator/Nintendo Representative Director Shigeru Miyamoto. Mascots of Super
Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad were also present there.
“This is an area where everyone
from children to adults can use their five senses to enjoy,” says Miyamoto in
his remarks at the opening ceremony. “I want people from around the world to
visit once the coronavirus pandemic is over.” And that sobering reminder calls
to mind the challenges Super Nintendo World had to get off the ground.
Construction cost 60 billion yen ($550 million), but COVID-19 meant its planned
first year was left unfulfilled. The general opening was long-awaited because
there are not that many USJ annual pass holders. Even so, the pandemic is
keeping the face-masked visitor limit capped for safety reasons.
Super Nintendo World has two main
attractions so far, “Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge” and “Yoshi’s Adventure.”
The former is a dark ride adaptation of the popular racing spinoff to “Super
Mario,” with augmented reality interaction. The latter is an omnimover ride
with Mario’s friendly dinosaur mount Yoshi as the star. The area also has its
own shopping and dining venues. While travel to Japan is still suspended,
Universal Studios theme parks around the world are also building their own
versions. But those might have to wait for some years more.
Image courtesy of CNN
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