Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 17th, 2023, after its predecessor in Universal Studios Japan opened on March 18th, 2021. As fans have begun to explore the colorful, immersive realm of Super Nintendo World in California, they've started to discover its hidden details and secrets.
Though Super Nintendo World's theming around the Super Mario video game franchise is obvious upon as little as first glance, the area was designed from the ground up with incredible attention to detail. Levels, locations, objects, and characters from the extensive history of the Mario franchise are everywhere in Super Nintendo World, and some are harder to spot than others.
10 Pikmin Are Present
While it may seem strange that the region is called Super Nintendo World when it only includes attractions and games based on the Mario franchise, there are hints of another popular Nintendo series within the area. Keen-eyed visitors can spot Pikmin gathering in a grassy area in the hills or atop a small block attempting to carry a coin.
These adorable plant-topped creatures are from the game series of the same name. Though two Pikmin sightings have been confirmed at Universal Studios Hollywood's Super Nintendo World, its compatriot in Japan has even more.
9 Changing Paintings In Peach's Castle
Once guests pass through the warp pipe to enter Super Nintendo World, they enter the foyer of Princess Peach's castle. In this room are two portraits introducing the story of Super Nintendo World. The primary paintings show Bowser Jr. stealing a golden mushroom from Princess Peach.
When the screens change, however, they show two paintings from Super Mario 64. These framed images served as the portals to Bob-omb Battlefield and Tiny-Huge Island. When the paintings change, a similar ripple effect as when Mario enters the paintings in Super Mario 64 occurs.
8 Windows In Toadstool Cafe
Toadstool Cafe is currently the only dining location in Super Nintendo World Hollywood. When patrons are in line to order their counter-service fare, they're introduced to Chef Toad through a set of digital screen "windows" that are also present in the dining room.
The "windows" in the restaurant show a peaceful scene of Toads going about their business, either outside in the grassy hills of the Mushroom Kingdom or working in the cafe's kitchen along the back wall. Periodically, a storm occurs in the outside windows when Bowser's ship comes to attack the Toads, sending a Bullet Bill through the kitchen.
7 Scenes Through The Binoculars
In Super Nintendo World, there are binoculars that resemble those used in Super Mario 3D Land. These binoculars use screens to integrate Augmented Reality effects into the environment of the area dependent on the time of day and which direction they're facing.
If guests use the zoom function on these devices, however, they can find various scenes from around the Mario universe. One of the potential reveals when zooming in to the sky or a high elevation shows viewers Rosalina at the Comet Observatory from Super Mario Galaxy.
6 Hidden Eight-Bit Characters
If 2D Mario fans are feeling discouraged by the focus on 3D environments and adventures in Super Nintendo World, they can find a few secrets that are more up their alley. Visitors can purchase Power-Up Bands to engage with mini-games and other interactive elements in the area.
Though the symbols for most of the interactive activities are made obvious, several less-visible sensors are hidden throughout the land. When activated by a Power-Up Band, these spaces light up with art of the original eight-bit versions of several characters from Super Mario Bros.
5 Integration Of Many Different Mario Games
Super Nintendo World wasn't designed based on the look or construction of one particular game in the Mario franchise but rather an amalgamation of many. This makes it appealing and inviting to multiple generations of gamers excited to see their favorite titles represented.
Influences on Super Nintendo World's aesthetic and architecture include Super Mario 64, Super Mario 3D Land, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Mario Kart 8, to name a few. As a result, fans of all ages can find details and hints that remind them of their favorite entry in the series.
4 Yoshi's Island Is Included
Though it isn't visible upon entering the land, the architects of Super Nintendo World did not forget about Yoshi's Island. A section dedicated to the Yoshi's Island games is located in the queue area for the realm's main attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge.
This area of Super Nintendo World seems to be primarily based on Yoshi's New Island due to the environmental details and design elements. While waiting in line, visitors can see Yoshi pop up from behind the hills and trees to greet them.
3 Bowser's Many Books
As the queue for the Mario Kart attraction moves through Bowser's castle, guests are able to see many of his rooms and possessions. One of these is a sort of workshop space where Bowser has been concocting his plans, the walls of which are lined with bookshelves.
Every book along the wall is a clever reference to some aspect of the Mushroom Kingdom or the characters that live there, and there are dozens of tomes to be seen. Some highlights include The Pokey Pop-Up Book, Dental Hygiene for Chain Chomps, and Always Another Castle.
2 Blueprints For Game Items
Another set of fun inclusions on the walls of Bowser's Castle is the variety of blueprints laid out there. In the multiple rooms guests pass through in the queue, they can see blueprints for POW blocks, Bowser's airships, Bob-ombs, and more.
Though it has always been clear that Bowser placed these objects and creatures in Mario's way to prevent the plumber from foiling his plans, it's fascinating for fans to be able to see the process firsthand. The line even takes visitors through the production lines for Bob-ombs, Bullet Bills, and Mecha-Koopas.
1 Power-Up Bands Work As Amiibo
To play the mini-games and activate certain secrets in Super Nintendo World, guests need to purchase Power-Up Bands. These wristbands are themed to individual Mario characters, and the options include Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, and Yoshi.
Once they leave the park, however, fans can also use these special bands as amiibo for the character whose band they chose. To do so, they can press the character icon on the band to the console's NFC reader. This gives fans an extra benefit to offset the cost of a Power-Up Band.