After years of delays, Super Nintendo World finally opened back in March at Universal Studios Osaka. Now, you might be questioning if the opening of a new theme park during a pandemic is a good idea. Compared to most Western countries, Japan has been hit far less hard by Covid without enforcing strict lockdown restrictions. The new Super Nintendo World has a limited capacity of 10,000 people, and authorities of the park have said that they were taking steps to prevent the spread of infections with. For now Super Nintendo World is only open to those already in the country—Japan’s borders have been closed to non-residents for months. Upon entering, guests have their temperature taken and must strictly wear face masks and maintain distance from others when on the rides and premises.

Designed in 2D-esque style, the theme park stays true to Nintendo aesthetics fans of the original video games are familiar with and nostalgic for. Robert Sephazon, a game developer based in Japan who has visited the park said, “Because it’s coming straight from the imagination of Shigeru Miyamoto, it really brings the atmosphere of Super Mario Bros into the real world.” 

Within the gigantic park, visitors can eat burgers inside a giant mushroom, served by people dressed like Toad, and explore Princess Peach’s castle. Mario and Yoshi fans can also roam through the iconic green warp pipe at the park’s entrance and manifest into a realm of hopping mushrooms and snapping fire Piranha Plant while the eight-bit Super Mario Bros anthem plays in the background.

The biggest attraction, nevertheless, is the Mario Kart-themed ride. Set on a go-kart track, players drift through virtual components as the kart moves on the track in real life. The ride includes dark features and special effects, as well as encounters with your favourite Mario characters. 

For younger children, the slower paced Yoshi’s Adventure ride is a highlight. The train offers riders majestic views of Super Nintendo World. 

Other than rides, the park also offers interactive experiences with multiple mini-games scattered throughout. And don’t forget about what Japanese theme parks do best: merch. At the 1Up Factory, the land’s main shop, fans can browse through hundreds of Nintendo and Super Mario themed items. Kinopio’s Cafe, Pit Stop Popcorn and Yoshi’s Snack Island are also spots to grab kawaii foods and snacks that you can’t find anywhere outside of the park. 

During the opening last month, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Mario franchise and a game director of Nintendo said, “Once the pandemic subsides, I hope everyone around the world will come and visit us; we are waiting for you.” The opening of the park follows the introduction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a themed area housed within the larger Universal Studios theme park but feels entirely separate. More Super Nintendo World parks are planned to open around the world, notably next in Singapore in the coming years.

See more at super-nintendo-world.usj.co.jp.