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What is a Power-Up Band?
Beyond the attractions, there’s one extra experience to be discovered at Epic Universe’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: interactive gameplay located all throughout the area itself. This interactivity revolves around a wristband called the Power-Up Band. By wearing it, guests will be able to use “their arms, hands, and entire bodies as they explore the new area” (what Universal has called an “asobi play experience”).
Although it seems, generally, that this wearable device has functionality similar to Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu, its method of distribution is entirely different. Instead of being loaned out at the beginning of visitors’ stays, it has to be purchased at one of several different shopping locations located throughout the world (making it more like the interactive wands at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter). These collectible bands come in eight character-themed designs: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong. Simply slap the band on your wrist, and it securely snaps into place.
Once bought, the wristband can be linked to the Universal Orlando Resort app via a QR code on its back. This allows guests to keep track of their scores and stats across the themed area (including the high scores on both Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown). You can even pair multiple bands to the app, meaning your whole travel party can get in on the fun together.
We should pause on these rankings for just a moment, actually. The “team” ranking tracks everyone using the same Power-Up Band design as you (Team Mario, for example, or Team Peach); “daily” follows just that day’s performances on a player-by-player basis; and “all time” tracks individuals across their multiple visits to Epic Universe’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. This creates another type of game within the realm’s experience – who can get the highest score, and keep it?
Where can I purchase a Power-Up Band?
Power-Up Bands are available for purchase at:
- Other Worlds Mercantile (Celestial Park)
- Nintendo Super Star Store (Celestial Park)
- 1-UP Factory (SUPER NINTENDO WORLD)
- Mario Motors (SUPER NINTENDO WORLD)
How do I set up my Power-Up Band?
To link your Power-Up Band in the Universal Orlando app, start by navigating to the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD section within Universal Play. Once there, tap on the “Options” tab and select “Add Band.” This will activate your phone’s camera within the app, allowing you to scan the QR code located on the back of your Power-Up Band.
In this same section, you can also customize your player profile by editing your player name, choosing a character image, and selecting a character background to personalize your experience.
What are the interactive activities?
True to its video game roots, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is designed to inspire play and immerse you in a world that feels like a real-life game. From physical challenges to digital interactions, this area offers several types of gameplay, which we break down below.
The Universal Play section of the Universal Orlando Resort app does more than just connect your Power-Up Band and track digital coins. It’s your interactive guide to everything happening in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Donkey Kong Country. Use it to locate Key Challenges, Punch Blocks, character meet and greets, and even attractions, all with easy filtering and navigation.
Collecting Digital Coins
As you explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, keep an eye out for the iconic yellow Punch Blocks that look like they’ve jumped straight out of the Super Mario Bros. games. To collect coins, simply punch the underside of these blocks using a motion that mimics Mario’s iconic jump. You’ll hear a sound effect to confirm your punch was successful and that digital coins have been added to your total.
Beyond Punch Blocks, you can earn even more coins with interactive features like the digital slot machine, where you punch each square to stop the icons and try your luck at hitting the virtual jackpot.
Be sure to swing by Toadstool Cafe and check out the screen near the entrance—you’ll spot a digital gift and a tap point for your band, allowing you to claim your own virtual reward.
These coins contribute to both your individual score and your team ranking, making every block you hit part of a larger competitive adventure. It’s a fun and interactive way to compete, collaborate, and show off your team pride as you run around the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD together!
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Before your ride vehicle takes off on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, tap your Power-Up Band to the steering wheel to collect the coins you earn during the race!
Key Challenges
Guests with Power-Up Bands can unlock what many consider a hidden “bonus level” within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD—Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. Just like in a classic video game, you’ll need to complete a series of tasks before facing the final “boss level.” To access Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, players must complete three out of the five Key Challenges located throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe.
Here’s a look at all five challenges:
- Goomba Crazy Crank – knock the Goomba off the roller by spinning the crank as fast as possible
- Koopa Troopa POWer Punch – hit a POW block to knock a turtle shell up a warp pipe, thereby taking out a passing Koopa Troopa (full description here)
- Piranha Plant Nap Mishap – turn off all the ringing alarm clocks before Petey Piranha wakes up
- Bob-omb Kaboom Room – solve the coin puzzle before the Bomb-omb goes off
- Thwomp Panel Panic – flip every blue question-mark-block panel to a yellow exclamation-point-block one (in the right order) before the Thwomp strikes
Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown
Once you’ve collected three keys using your Power-Up Band, you’re ready to take on Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown—a fast-paced, interactive boss battle. In this virtual reality experience, you’ll duck, jump, and swipe your way through challenges to help reclaim the stolen Golden Mushroom. Victory means earning extra coins and leaderboard bragging rights. The experience ties into a fun backstory where Bowser Jr. has hidden the keys across the Mushroom Kingdom, and it’s up to you to help Princess Peach recover them.
Discover more about the experience here.
What’s the Nintendo Switch interactivity?
Each Power-Up Band also functions as an amiibo, allowing for interactivity with the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. When tapped to a compatible console, the band acts as an amiibo for its corresponding character—for instance, the Mario Power-Up Band works just like a traditional Mario amiibo in supported games.
To use your Power-Up Band as an amiibo, simply tap the circular character icon in the center of the band to the NFC reader on your Nintendo Switch console.
- 1-UP Factory at Universal Epic Universe
- Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown at Universal Epic Universe
- Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy at Universal Epic Universe
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge at Universal Epic Universe
- Mario Motors at Universal Epic Universe
- Mine-Cart Madness at Universal Epic Universe
- Power-Up Bands in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Epic Universe: Complete Guide
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Character Guide
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Food Guide
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Merchandise Guide
- The Bubbly Barrel (quick-service) at Universal Epic Universe
- Toadstool Cafe (quick-service) at Universal Epic Universe
- Turbo-Boost Treats (quick-service) at Universal Epic Universe
- Yoshi’s Snack Island (quick-service) at Universal Epic Universe
- Yoshi’s Adventure at Universal Epic Universe