Mario World at Universal Studios in Hollywood

For all you Nintendo fans out there, get ready for Nintendo World to open at Universal Studio Hollywood in Universal City, Next door to Studio City, on Friday, February 17.

This is a pretty big deal for any Nintendo fan out there as this will be the very first Nintendo World to open in the US. For years Nintendo fans, and especially Mario fans, have dreamed of this day after watching videos online of Nintendo Word in Japan which opened back in 2021.

Nintendo World in Universal City will be the second location worldwide. A 3rd location is set to open in Orlando Florida in 2025.

What makes Nintendo World unique to other theme park lands is that it is a 360-degree environment. So guests are always at the center of the world at all times with rides and interactive experiences on the edges to help create a more immersive atmosphere. These new rides will be state-of-the-art relying heavily on AR (augmented reality). One of the most anticipated rides will be Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge which will combine a physical track with AR and projections.

Thankfully this new land didn’t replace any existing beloved attractions in the lower level of Universal Studios. Only sound stages were replaced that were later relocated. There have been many previews of the land already so if you are a local in Universal City or Studio City with a Universal Studios Annual Pass then chances are you will be one of the lucky few to be invited to preview the new land before it opens to the public next month. And for those who aren’t Annual Pass holders, here is a preview video from Attractions Magazine giving you a sneak peek at the new land.