Universal is going all out with its ‘Super Mario Land’ theme park

By Gabe Gurwin Published September 28, 2020

Universal Studios’ Nintendo theme park in Osaka, Japan, is still a few years away, but a new teaser video gives us an idea of what to expect from the area. If you were hoping for an abundance of Mario, you’re going to very happy.

The teaser video, which you can watch above, begins with Mario running through a green pipe as he makes his way to Super Nintendo World’s main area. Behind him is Peach’s castle, which looks like a smaller version of the castle seen in Super Mario 64, and as the camera pans out, we see several other locations throughout the park. Piranha Plants sit up on a hill, coins are visible in the background along with green trees, and Bowser’s castle sits ominously in the background. Atop highest visible peak, there is also a flag — we’re hoping that grabbing it will earn visitors a discount or an extra day for free.

Recommended Videos

Though details on individual attractions are slim, Universal Studios Japan did reveal that a Mario Kart-themed area will be part of the park. We really hope they found a way to implement blue shells into go-kart racing.

There could also be an ice-themed section of the park. At the tail end of the teaser, several snow-covered buildings are visible next to Bowser’s castle. We’re guessing the area won’t be slippery, however, to keep clumsier visitors from falling off the edge and losing their own life.

Universal’s Nintendo theme parks are being created with the direct involvement of Nintendo and producer Shigeru Miyamoto. The Osaka location is scheduled to open in 2020, while there will also be parks opening at later dates in Orlando and Hollywood. Though they appear to be limited to Mario attractions thus far, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Zelda, Splatoon, Pokémon, or Animal Crossing characters make an appearance, as well.

Nintendo holds its E3 Nintendo Direct event on June 13. The company is expected to show off more of Mario’s latest adventure, Super Mario Odyssey, as well as other upcoming Switch and 3DS titles.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…

Gaming

Where to find the Ghost Medal in Super Mario RPG

Mario sleeping in a bed.

One of the best aspects of Super Mario RPG is how beginner-friendly it is as an RPG. You don't have a ton of stats to manage, and your weapons and equipment are mostly linear upgrades outside of some secrets. Accessories are the most interesting ways you can customize your party, allowing you to add unique attributes. The Ghost Medal is one of the strongest of these. but it's tucked away in a hidden corner of the game. It's no time for a nap, so let's go over how to get the Ghost Medal in Super Mario RPG.
How to get the Ghost Medal

The Ghost Medal can be found only after you've reached Monstro Town, which is a good way into the game. Once here, enter the house directly to the right of the Item Shop, turn off the mushroom light, and rest in the bed. While sleeping, the Three Musty Fears will appear around Mario and tell him clues as to where their flags are. By collecting them all, you will earn this accessory. Here's where to find them:

Gaming

All hidden chest locations in Super Mario RPG

Toad explaining Hidden Treasures to Mario.

The remake of the SNES game Super Mario RPG is about as faithful as any fan could hope for. The classic characters, locations, combat mechanics, and music are all back in a new and charming graphical style. While there are a few new tweaks and additions here and there, for the most part, the world is just as you remember from your childhood. That includes those tricky Hidden Chests. Just like in the original, a special set of hidden chests are waiting to be found all across the game world, but for those who haven't played the original, you may go most (if not the entire) game without finding them. Hidden chests, in this case, are actually invisible until Mario jumps up and activates them. Mario is a superstar jumper, but even he would get tired of jumping everywhere possible in search of these secret chests. We'll point out where to find all 39 Hidden Chests in Super Mario RPG so you can reap the rewards without pulling your hair out while trying to find them.

We will list every Hidden Chest in the order you should naturally come across them as you're playing the game so you can follow along. However, if you've already missed some, none of them are missable, so you can always backtrack to get any you might have accidentally passed by. You should also equip the Signal Ring to alert you when a Hidden Chest is in your area.
Hidden Chest 1

Gaming

Super Mario RPG Wedding Hall guide: Where to find Peach’s crown and other accessories

Princess Peach with a parasol in Super Mario RPG.

Mario and friends have chased down Peach to Marrymore late into Super Mario RPG. It isn't Bowser who has her in his clutches this time, but Booster, who intends to marry the princess against her will. After busting into the church to call things off, Peach's crown and other accessories will be scattered across the chapel. You will need to find every last missing item before the ceremony begins, but they aren't all in plain sight. Here is where to find Peach's crown and all her other accessories in Super Mario RPG.
Where to find all of Peach's accessories

Aside from her crown, you will need to find her shoes, ring, and brooch as well.
Peach's crown location
The crown is the easiest to find since it will be in sight right away. After the collision, the crown ends up resting atop Booster's head standing at the altar. All you need to do is jump on top of him to get it back.
Shoes, ring, and brooch locations
The other three items weren't dropped on the floor, but havebeen collected by Booster's Sniffits. These quick little dudes will be running in patterns around the church and pews, so you need to intercept and speak to each of them. Just talking to them will do the trick -- you don't have to engage in a fight -- so just mash the talk button as you approach.