Super Nintendo Land Japan Is Opening In February 2021
As we enter 2021, and thankfully leave the garbage of a year that was 2020 firmly in our memories, we can now look forward to a brighter future. With the introduction of a whole range of vaccines for the illness (that shall not be named), opportunities for a 'normal' life, and a return to what we know is very much back in sight.
So, of course, we're all daydreaming about the holidays that we will soon be embarking on. For many of us, the thought of boarding a plane, and having the hot air hit our faces as we set foot in a new land, has been the only thing we've had to look forward to. Even if we have spent all the money we should have saved whilst in lockdown on a variety of Amazon packages and games we don't need.
If you're not yet set on where you'd like to visit next, this bit of news might sway you - Super Nintendo Land Japan is on its way. The multi-million pound theme park is part of the current Universal Japan. However, if you'd rather stick a bit closer to home, a similar land is in the process of being built in Universal Orlando as part of their Epic Universe extension to the park, which is expected to open in 2024.
But let's stick with Japan for the time-being, as Super Nintendo Land is pretty much finished, with a completion date of February 2021. Concept art images have been released, and they look incredible.
Click to enlargeUniversal has not been afraid to splash the cash with the state-of-the-art theme-park, reportedly spending $578 million on its conception. Which, according to Orlando Informer, is around $120 million more than what they spent of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley.
The money seems to have been well-spent, with immersive rides and never-before-seen developments in technology, which will apparently transport visitors into their favourite games through a variety of different rides and experiences.
Universal Parks & Resorts CEO Tom Williams recently spoke about the Super Mario Kart and Yoshi’s Adventures attractions at the US expansion, saying: “It’s a whole new separate area of the park. It’s got food, it’s got merchandise. The first phase will have two rides, Super Mario Kart as well as Yoshi’s Adventures,
“It’s the best, and we’ve tested them all, and they’re killers. It’s a great line-up. It takes it to the whole next level. It’s gonna redefine what a park experience is like. It really is special.”
Click to enlargeA cool addition is the introduction of ‘Power Up Bands’. In an attempt to blend the real world and video games, Universal has put a lot of time and effort into the wearable wristbands. They are linked to smartphones via the Universal Studios Japan app, and offer a whole new level of interaction for guests.
Around the park, you will find classic Question Mark Blocks, like in Mario itself. When you hit them, you’ll be rewarded with virtual coins via the app. Visitors will also be able to collect virtual keys, which will unlock gameplay opportunities.
Williams said: “You’ll be able to go up and keep score and play with the various games. That also translates to a score-keeping capability if you choose to do so within the rides. It actually interfaces back with your game console.”
Click to enlargeThierry Coup, senior VP and CCO, Universal Creative, added: “Think of Super Nintendo World as a life-size, living video game where you become one of the characters. You’re not just playing the game; you’re living the game, you’re living the adventure,
“We have developed some state-of-the-art technology to create the perfect fusion of the physical world with the world of video game. The Power Up Band will connect guests with dozens of iconic Nintendo items throughout the land in a truly seamless and innovative way. And the app will keep track of their adventures and any coins, stamps or other iconic elements they earn along the way.”
Click to enlargeThere will be differences between both the US and Japanese versions, so ideally you’ll want to visit both. I know, what a chore - right?
Images via Universal Studios Japan
