Universal’s Super Nintendo World Is Opening In One Of Japan’s Most Hard-Hit COVID Cities

Universal Studios Japan's Super Nintendo World area in Osaka has received an opening date and fans will be able to visit the highly anticipated theme park section early next year. The announcement comes as the city currently has the second-highest confirmed COVID cases in the country.

Following the announcement of the land's February 4, 2021, opener, Thomas Geraghty, an executive producer for one of the park's rides, shared his excitement with fans. “We will bring the story to life with Nintendo’s very compelling characters – Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach – and we will immerse our guests into the world of Nintendo...,” Geraghty told the media, as reported by IGN.

“Guests will join their favorite characters immersed in augmented reality, steering their way through the Mushroom Kingdom, throwing shells at Koopalings, as they race to the finish,” he added.

The park features a Mario Kart-themed roller coaster which will see guests compete with one another through augmented reality headsets. The ride also allows users to throw virtual items at opponents to gain a competitive advantage, similar to a feature in the popular video game.

“During the race, guests can throw the swords they get from the item box to repel the enemy and will compete for first place with Mario and Princess Peach to advance in the course,” a translated press release reads, courtesy of Engadget.

Previously, Universal Studios Japan anticipated the park opening in spring 2021. The land was initially due to open this past summer but saw a delay amid the pandemic.

As COVID-19 cases surge across the world, the park will have to adhere to strict health guidelines. For the time being, the park will be limited to 50% capacity as virus rates in Osaka are on the rise, The Verge reported.

On Sunday, Osaka had 381 new COVID cases, bringing the total deaths to 316, according to data from Nippon. Japan has had 144,653 confirmed COVID cases to date and Osaka makes up over 20,000 of those. The only other city that been hit harder than Osaka is Tokyo with 40,628 confirmed cases.

The theme park industry has struggled to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis. Many U.S. parks were forced to shut down due to state restrictions and those that remained open were plagued by capacity limitations and other health concerns.

Most notably, The Walt Disney Co. laid off 28,000 employees in its theme park division in September.