Universal Orlando Resort is redefining the theme park game with the opening of its newest property, Epic Universe, which is on track to open on May 22, 2025. While it will consist of five brand new, uniquely themed areas, one of the most anticipated is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. The land will feature four innovative attractions: Mine-Cart Madness, Yoshi’s Adventure, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. The latter is an interactive in-park side game where guests can unlock access by collecting three keys earned through activities inspired by the Mario Party series.
If you’re like us, the question of what games to play in preparation for becoming a SUPER NINTENDO WORLD superstar has crossed your mind. Of course, you’ll want to start with the original Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System. As the details get complex from there, we’ve compiled a definitive list of what games to focus on before visiting the Mushroom Kingdom.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
It goes without saying that Mario Kart is one of Nintendo’s most hallowed franchises, with a current total of 15 games that span multiple consoles. Most of the inspiration for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge comes from 2014’s Mario Kart 8 entry on the Nintendo Wii.
Based on the Hollywood and Japanese iterations, this is evident in the ride’s queue, which takes guests through Bowser’s castle, complete with stunning interior decor and trophies representing each racing circuit from Mario Kart 8. This attention to detail extends to the attraction’s ride vehicles as well. Keen-eyed guests will also notice the Mario Kart TV broadcasting van (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, anyone?) parked in the queue.
Mine-Cart Madness
Mine-Cart Madness pulls its inspiration directly from the first Donkey Kong Country game on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It’s the name of the 27th level of the game and, more specifically, the fifth level of its fifth land. That may seem a little far into the game to play, but the Donkey Kong Country franchise is a popular one for a very good reason. This level can act as a virtual preview of the cart jumps and track breaks we can look forward to at the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD attraction.
Yoshi’s Adventure
Players of the Super Mario Bros. franchise were first introduced to Mario and Luigi’s trusted steed and enemy-eating sidekick in Super Mario World on the Super Nintendo console. Yoshi was then given more prominence in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, which established Yoshi as part of the Super Mario Bros. franchise.
These two games are key to understanding Yoshi as a group within the series. In both Super Mario World titles, Yoshi is deeply woven into Mario’s story. Players gain insight into these lovable dinosaurs, learning about their different types, unique abilities, and the fact that “Yoshi” refers both to the iconic character and the species as a whole.
Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown
Bowser’s only son was first introduced in the Nintendo Gamecube’s Super Mario Sunshine, where he was disguised as Shadow Mario and acted as the main antagonist. This is the game to focus on for the character, but those wanting supplemental material will want to turn their gaze to Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam as the Nintendo 3DS game adds to Bowser Jr.’s story.
Additionally, Super Mario Bros: Wonder for the Nintendo Switch is perfect here, as the Hollywood and Japan versions of Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown utilize black silhouettes and shadow-based gameplay. Similarly, many levels in Wonder feature a comparable visual style, giving players an excellent opportunity to adjust to this unique format.
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