If you haven’t made plans to experience Super Nintendo World next month, you might just be missing out!
Ahead of the themed land’s grand opening, Universal Studios Hollywood has unveiled a new, interactive feature for the highly anticipated theme park experience: the Power-Up Band! With this wearable tech, visitors can unlock immersive experiences within the park, collect digital coins, and compete against friends and family.
Upon arrival, parkgoers can purchase their very own Power-Up Bands and sync them with the Universal Studios Hollywood official app, though buying one isn’t required to enjoy Super Nintendo World. The Power-Up Bands come in six different designs, each inspired by an iconic character from Nintendo lore: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, or Princess Daisy. You’ll be assigned a team by the option you choose. Prices for these bands will be disclosed closer to the theme park’s official opening.
Guests with Power-Up Bands can collect digital coins by finding interactive elements throughout Super Mario World and completing milestones, much like the characters do in Super Mario Bros. video games. On the app, you can track how many coins you’ve amassed and compare your haul with other guests on the scoreboard.
The more milestones you complete throughout the park, the more coins you’ll get, and the better your chances of getting the highest score. Guests can also collect keys by completing in-app challenges against some of Mario’s biggest baddies. Obtaining at least three of the four keys gives guests a chance at the final battle to recover the stolen Golden Mushroom from Bowser Jr in Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown.
Keeping track of coins is as easy as looking up at the Checkpoint Screens throughout the park. The wheels on the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride also interact with the bands — guests can check their coin total with a simple tap of the band. Guests wearing bands can even unlock enhanced experiences during meet-and-greets with Mario and his pals from the Mushroom Kingdom.
You can purchase Power-Up Bands for you and your family at Super Nintendo World retail shops when the park officially opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Feb. 17.