Interactive theme park experiences continue to get more and more nuanced and the Super Nintendo World expansion at Universal Studios Hollywood continues in that tradition. Exclusive to the land, you can purchase Power-Up Bands that will enhance your visit with special activities and point-tracking challenges.
Here’s what you can expect with the Power-Up Band experience in Super Nintendo World starting February 17, 2023. Letsa go!
EDITOR’S NOTE: This posting was updated with additional details on 5/7/23 and 12/29/24.
What Are They?
Essentially, the Power-Up Band is a fancy slap band that can track your digital progress inside of Super Nintendo World when you have it linked to your Universal Studios Hollywood app. They sell for $40 plus tax ($43.80 with taxes) and are available in six designs: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, and Daisy.
What Does It Do?
Once you have your Power-Up Band scanned and connected into your account within the Universal Studios Hollywood mobile app, you can keep track of your progress to see…
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Play at interactive touchpoints including ? and POW Blocks. You don’t need a Power Up Band for most interactive elements but having one accrues in-app milestones including…
- How many digital coins you’ve collected (they have no monetary value)
- How many achievement stamps you’ve earned for completing activities
- See how you rank up against other guests in the park for various activities (including your score on the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge attraction)
- Amiibo connectivity! When connected to your Nintendo Switch, your Power-Up Band can be used in various ways within select games. Each amiibo corresponds to the character associated with your Power-Up Band. For example, if you have a Toad Power-Up Band, you can use it as a Toad amiibo.
- It’s also how you collect Keys to play in the Golden Mushroom Key Challenge
Golden Mushroom Key Challenge
One of the more unique elements added to Super Nintendo World, this series of challenges culminates with a boss battle showdown inside Bowser Jr.’s castle but you can only play if you’ve got a Power-Up Band!
MORE INFO: GUIDE: Golden Mushroom Key Power-Up Band Challenge in Super Nintendo World at Universal Hollywood
Where To Get One
You have the opportunity to purchase your Power-Up Band both inside and outside of the new land.
Inside of Super Nintendo Land:
- 1-Up Factory Story
- Dedicated Kiosks near the large Piranha Plant
Outside of Super Nintendo Land:
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ STORE at CityWalk
- Universal Studio Store
- Character Shop
How to Link / Scan / Setup
Once you have your Power-Up Band, you’ll need to download and open the Universal Studios Hollywood mobile app and navigate to the Super Nintendo World portal. The first thing you’re prompted to do in the app is to “Scan Band” where you’ll scan the QR code on the back of your Power-Up Band to link. Follow the instructions here and then this part of the mobile app becomes your home base for all elements of the Power-Up Band experience.
Fix Your Fit
If you’re finding your band fit is not quite right, you can talk to Team Member to get yourself a Power Up Band Securement Sleeve that helps hold your band in place. It’s a small piece of flexible plastic that keeps the two ends of the band connected together and you can get it for no extra cost if you need it.
Ready to Play?
We’ve got your in-depth gamer’s guide on everything there is to do at Super Nintendo World, check out our guide pages below.
Quick Links: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge | Power-Up Band experience | Meet Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach | Toadstool Cafe | 1-Up Factory | AR Binoculars | Outdoor Vending | Virtual Line Reservations
See it for Yourself
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood officially opened February 17, 2023 and is now open daily.
The new Super Nintendo World expansion is located inside of Universal Studios Hollywood park and access is included with regular park admission. Super Nintendo World is not a separate theme park.
MORE INFO: For tickets, visit store.universalstudioshollywood.com.
