Universal Studios Japan is gearing up to open the doors to the new Super Nintendo World park. To get us ready for this "life-size video game" that promises to let visitors “play in the real world," the park dropped a high-energy music video by Galantis feat. Charli XCX earlier this week.
The predominantly CGI visuals for “We Are Born to Play” don't give too much away in terms of the actual look and feel of the new theme park. Instead, it's selling an almost implausible level of fun by spotlighting the park's immersive MO. “Super Nintendo World will provide an experience you cannot have anywhere else,” explained the studio's Chief Executive Officer today.
The video also features the rumored Power Up wristbands, which along with a smartphone app, will allow visitors to battle bosses and collect coins while exploring a physical setting — a feature that many believe will “redefine theme parks."
The video dropped together with a website that offers some exciting insights into the locations, opening dates, as well as the kind of rides we can expect. We've rounded up everything we know so far and put it all in one place.
Here's everything we know so far about Super Nintendo World.
Super Nintendo World opening date
At the end of the “We Are Born to Play” video it says, “Play in the real world this summer.” According to Nintendo Life, the first version of the theme park is actually scheduled to open in spring, ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The Super Mario Kart and Yoshi's Adventures rides will reportedly be open for the initial launch.
Where is the Super Nintendo World?
Universal Studios Japan is set to open its Super Nintendo World park in Osaka, Japan. Bloomberg reporter Kurumi Mori has revealed that there is talk of future parks that will come to Hollywood, Orlando, and Singapore.
Super Nintendo World rides
At a recent press conference, USJ Chief Executive Officer J. L. Bonnier didn't divulge any more details about rides that would be available and the recent video doesn't offer many clues. While we know that there will be a Super Mario Kart and Yoshi's Adventures ride, it seems that the ability to navigate the park as one coherent game is the real draw.
Power Up wristbands
According to a Mori, “Super Nintendo World will use tech + smartphone app Wearable wrist bands called the "Power Up Band" will make you feel like you're part of the game world.”
According to the Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts, the special magnetic wristbands will keep track of scores and will interface “back with your game console so you can build on it and come back again.”
The “We Are Born to Play” Video
The video drives home the immersive quality of the park, and the pivotal role of the wristbands, opening with humans being sucked into the Mushroom Kingdom and activating their bands.
In this augmented reality, a CGI Super Mario runs around collecting coins, spurred on by human visitors. Meanwhile, Charli and Toad sing from the highest point of Peach’s castle. Watch it below.
