Super Nintendo World Unveiled: Shigeru Miyamoto Showcases Interactive Park Features at Nintendo Direct

Super Nintendo World Unveiled: Shigeru Miyamoto Showcases Interactive Park Features at Nintendo Direct Nintendo’s much-anticipated theme park expansion, Super Nintendo World, took center stage in a special Nintendo Direct hosted by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto.

The event, streamed globally ahead of the area’s official opening at Universal Studios Japan, gave fans an in-depth look at the new themed lands inspired by iconic Nintendo franchises, with a strong focus on the Mario universe. Miyamoto, widely recognized as the creator behind Mario and numerous other legendary Nintendo properties, led a detailed 15-minute virtual tour through Super Nintendo World.

The presentation introduced viewers to faithful recreations of classic Mario environments, from vibrant warp pipes to intricate castle interiors, designed to immerse visitors in the feeling of stepping directly into their favorite video games. Among the highlights of the Nintendo Direct was an expansive showcase of the park’s interactive experiences powered by the innovative Power-Up Band.

This wearable device enables guests to participate in a variety of activities throughout the park, tracking achievements and facilitating the discovery of hidden secrets.

Via a simple QR code connection, the Power-Up Band syncs with a visitor’s smartphone, allowing seamless progress tracking and engagement with numerous interactive elements scattered across the themed land. Miyamoto illustrated how visitors can tap their Power-Up Bands against classic in-game items such as ? Blocks to earn coins, or take part in challenges that require timing and skill, like activating a POW Block at the optimal moment to earn a key.

The Power-Up Band is available in six unique designs inspired by beloved Nintendo characters: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Toad, and Yoshi, offering both a collectible keepsake and an essential part of the park experience. Further features showcased included detailed attractions like Koopa’s Castle (the Japanese name for Bowser), complete with Mario Kart-themed rides and themed dining at Kinopio’s Cafe, known internationally as Toad’s Cafe.

Miyamoto underscored the attention to detail present throughout the park, from display cases filled with Mario Kart trophies in the ride queues, to the immersive decor and themed menu items at the cafe. While the Power-Up Band was a focal point, several operational details remain pending—such as whether the Bands are included with park admission, require a separate purchase, or can be reused on visits to other Super Nintendo World locations.

Universal Studios Japan has set the official opening for Super Nintendo World for February 4th, 2021.

Miyamoto also confirmed ongoing development of Super Nintendo World expansions in Hollywood and Orlando, signaling Nintendo’s long-term commitment to global theme park initiatives. Super Nintendo World marks a pioneering collaboration between Nintendo and Universal Studios, blending beloved video game worlds with cutting-edge theme park technology.

For more updates on Super Nintendo World—including ticketing, merchandise, and upcoming expansions—stay tuned to leading Nintendo news outlets and official park channels.

Nintendo Universal Studios Japan Shigeru Miyamoto Super Nintendo World Power-Up Band Kinopio's Cafe Koopa's Castle Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Orlando Mario Kart Luigi Peach Daisy Toad Yoshi