Video: Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto speaks at the grand opening of Super Nintendo World Hollywood

Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto took the stage on Wednesday night at the grand opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood.

While the immersive land doesn’t officially open to the public until this Friday, a host of celebrities and special guests, including cast members from the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Movie, attended last night’s grand opening.

“From the moment we began working on this project, our goal has been to bring the Mushroom Kingdom to reality for all fans of all ages around the world,” Nintendo representative director Miyamoto said at the event, which is viewable below.

“And with the introduction of this land in Universal Studios Hollywood, I believe that even more people will be able to experience the world of Mario in a truly interactive and very immersive way.

“And I believe you’ll have the opportunity to really, really be able to experience what it is to be in the world of Mario at this park.”

America’s first Super Nintendo World houses an augmented reality Mario Kart ride set within Bowser’s Castle, a Toadstool Café and a 1-Up Factory merchandise store.

Visitors can also purchase Power-Up Bands to play interactive games around the park and track their scores via the Universal Studios app. You can read our extensive review of Nintendo World Osaka for more details.

“Our Universal brand is built on bringing the world’s most compelling stories to life in unique and captivating ways,” Universal Parks and Resorts CEO Mark Woodbury said at last night’s event.

“With Super Nintendo World we’re taking immersive storytelling to a whole new level with an entirely new genre of themed entertainment based on the Nintendo games and characters that people around the world have grown to love.

“This entire land is rich with interactivity, distinctive merchandise, inventive culinary treats, and Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge.

“Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge features the first of its kind augmented reality technology which enables us to translate what generations of people have experience with Nintendo games and bring it into an immersive ride experience for the whole family that is unlike anything else in the world.”

Unlike the Japanese version of Nintendo World, which opened in March 2021, the Hollywood park doesn’t feature the Yoshi’s Adventure ride.

Nintendo is also building a Donkey Kong expansion for Japan’s Nintendo World.

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Woodbury also mentioned plans to launch a second Super Nintendo World in North America.

“Soon, we’re going to add another Super Nintendo World, to Universal Orlando resort,” he said. “The worst kept secret in history.”