Nintendo Plans Super Nintendo World Game at Universal Studios Japan
Nintendo Co. fans will soon be able to experience a life-sized video game via Super Nintendo World, a new attraction at Universal Studios Japan.
Super Nintendo World is slated to open this summer in Osaka, featuring a Power Up Band wearable that lets visitors collect coins and battle bosses while exploring a physical environment. Users track their progress via a smartphone app, according to NBCUniversal LLC.
“Super Nintendo World will provide an experience you cannot have anywhere else,” USJ Chief Executive Officer J. L. Bonnier said at a briefing in Osaka on Tuesday.
"Games and attractions are fused with the world's most advanced technology. Starting with the ultimately realistic Mario Kart, travel around the world of Mario on the back of "Yoshi", reads an announcement by NBCUniversal.
The attraction will also house familiar game locations including the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Fortress. Super Nintendo World will also make it to the operator’s parks in Hollywood, Orlando and Singapore, though no dates are available.
Nintendo’s late President, Satoru Iwata, has been trying to open-up the company’s iconic characters for use beyond its own devices. Nintendo has launched a number of smartphone games, including a free-to-play version of the Mario Kart franchise, but making hit titles exclusive to its own hardware is still the core business.