Super Nintendo World Japan or US? Here’s What Makes These Two Theme Parks Special

Super Nintendo World has become a prime destination for gamers from all over the world. Fans have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Nintendo characters in the theme park, which is located in Universal Studios. Currently, they can choose to visit either of two locations of Super Nintendo World: one in Osaka, Japan, and the other in California, US. A YouTuber took up the responsibility of reviewing both of these locations to give the community a good idea of the differences.

The differences are done mainly on four categories so that fans can have a comprehensive idea about what to expect from each of these parks.

Theme Park layouts

Both the Nintendo World California and Nintendo World Japan are situated in sprawling areas. However, the layouts of these are different from each other.

Nintendo World California: Visitors enter the park in California through a green pipe that leads them into the castle of Princess Peach. As soon as fans step inside this area, they can see nostalgic artifacts everywhere. The entire park is spread across a single floor that boasts tons of Mario references.

Visitors can walk around Peach’s and Bowser’s castles, have fun playing minigames on the left side of the area, or buy things from a merchandise shop on the right side of the park. Grabbing a bite at the Toadstool Cafe is also a great option to enjoy some Nintendo-themed food items at the center of the park.

Nintendo World Osaka: The entrance to this park is also through a green pipe. Taking things a little further, Nintendo World Japan is situated across two floors. The bottom floor hosts Canopio’s Cafe, a Yoshi-themed ride and a merchandise shop. The first floor gives options to explore Bowser and Bowser Jr.’s castles, a Mario Kart-themed shop or to play mini-games.

Main attractions

Both of the parks have multiple attractions that can make fans of all ages get confused about what to do first. Both the parks in California and Osaka have similar attractions for fans.

Bowser’s Castle: The Nintendo Worlds in the US and Japan both have Bowser’s castle, which is detailed with Bowser Jr’s toys as well as many memorable moments of him in the Nintendo Universe. Fans can also take part in an AR mini-game inside the castle, where they have to overcome multiple challenges.

Mini-games: Games like the Koopa challenge or the Goomba challenge are up for fans to face in both Osaka and California Super Nintendo Worlds. These games are excellent ways to experience interactive sessions where visitors can show off their skills.

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Mario Kart: The Mario Kart challenge is most likely the main attraction in both the Super Nintendo Worlds locations. An augmented reality ride awaits visitors inside Bowser’s castle in both California and Osaka where fans can race against Bowser and Koopalings.

3-D World and Yoshi-themed ride: Exclusive to the Super Nintendo World in Osaka. In the 3D World, an immersive experience can be the highlight for visitors, filled with references to Mario and Yoshi. The Yoshi ride also gives a great view of the entire park.

Food

An array of food options is available to visitors at both the locations.

Food at Nintendo World California: The Toadstool Cafe within the Super Nintendo World California offers many food choices but requires prior reservations. Mario and Luigi-themed burgers are one of the main highlights of the cafe’s menu. The presentation of the food items is also unique and visually appealing. All items available to order at the cafe are pretty great, in terms of quality and taste.

Food at Nintendo World Osaka: Multiple food options and joints both inside and outside of the theme park will cater to every tastebud of the Nintendo fans. Dishes like Mario and Luigi-themed pancakes are great to look at, as well as ensure great taste. The Toadstool Cafe in Japan also requires reservations from beforehand and offers a range of options.

Merchandise options

For the avid Nintendo fans, both the parks at California and Osaka are shopping paradises.

Nintendo World Osaka: A wide selection of merchandise including plushies, apparel, collectibles, and accessories await visitors at the Super Nintendo World in Osaka. The official Nintendo store inside the park has multiple Mario characters as plushy options, that many would want to take home. The store also has other faces adorning the shelves at the store, including Pokemon.

Nintendo World California: Compared to Japan, the American counterpart has somewhat fewer options. Still, Mario-themed clothes and accessories are available for fans as well as plushies.

Both the Super Nintendo World parks have many things to offer to fans. While the park in Osaka has some exciting features and a sprawling two-story layout, the California park is more accessible with a shorter waitlist. As to which one is the better park, it comes down to personal preferences of the visiting fans.

Which one of these two would you want to visit and why? Tell us below!

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