Super Nintendo World Universal Studios is opening in Japan in February. Here’s a sneak peek

(CNN) – Get ready to slap on your Mario kart racing gear and hit some kiopa shells.

Universal Creative’s executive producer Thomas Geragti – Universal Studios’ innovation and creative arm – announced the opening date during a press conference Monday inside the park’s newly unveiled Bowser Castle.

He says the new addition to Universal Studios will provide an experience “not found anywhere else in the world” and includes attractions based on the popular Mario series of games, first launched in the 1980s, as well as restaurants and gift shops. .

In addition to the traditional rides, the entire Super Nintendo World will be an immersion game in which guests in the park can compete against other gamers.

“It will provide a first-time ‘asobi’ (game) experience for our guests,” says Geraghti, adding that visitors will be able to bounce on “question blocks” and collect virtual coins.

Guests can purchase power-up bands, a wristband that can be linked to a smartphone app, where they can store these virtual coins and keys.

Real life Mario Kart

Bozer Castle features a huge statue of the famous video game villain.

Courtesy Universal Studios Japan

But the Bowser Castle, its stone walls, the iron fence and the huge statue of Mario’s rival are the ones that will really excite fans.

Here’s where guests will find the world’s first officially recognized Mario Kart ride, called the “Coopa Challenge”.

Wearing a headset, players will be able to dive into a popular racing game with the help of some advanced technologies such as augmented reality, projection mapping and special effects.

“Guests will take part from the Mushroom Kingdom and walk around the track, throwing shells at Coopa Lane, running along with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach,” says Geraghti.

Other major attractions announced Monday include Princess Peach’s Castle and Yoshi’s Adventure.

Super Nintendo World will open on February 4, 2021.

Courtesy Universal Studios Japan

The park is the result of more than six years of work between the Universal Creative and Nintendo Creative team, led by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and the representative director of Nintendo.

It was originally scheduled to open in 2020, but was delayed by the Covid-19 epidemic.

CNN’s Junko Ogura also contributed to the report.