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Wow-ser: Japan 'Super Mario' theme park to open in Feb
The first ever "Super Mario" theme park will open in February, Universal Studios Japan said.
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This picture taken on November 19, 2019 shows the logo of Japan's Nintendo Co. (left) and Super Mario game character (right) at a store during a press preview in Tokyo. (AFP/Behrouz Mehri)
The first ever Super Mario theme park will open in February, Universal Studios Japan said on Monday.
Featuring a real-life Bowser's Castle and an interactive Mario Kart ride, the attraction in the city of Osaka was originally planned to open in July 2020 ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, with huge droves of visitors expected.
But the long-awaited Super Nintendo World zone at Universal Studios Japan was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic along with the Games, which will now be held next summer.
Read also: Let's-a go! Super Mario to make theme park debut in Japan next year
Now Nintendo fans can visit the attraction from February 4 -- although Japan's borders have been closed to almost all foreign tourists for months, with no plan yet announced to ease these restrictions.
It is the gaming giant's first foray into theme parks, and USJ calls it an "immersive land featuring Nintendo's legendary worlds, characters and adventures where guests will be able to play inside their favorite Nintendo games".
Augmented reality headsets are a feature of some rides, while a smartphone-linked wristband allows visitors to collect virtual coins and items, like in the popular Mario games. There is also a ride based on the cute green dinosaur Yoshi.
