Should You Pay $40 for Super Nintendo World Power-Up Bands? We Found Out!

Disney4me · February 18, 2023

Super Nintendo World is officially OPEN and we’re here in the parks to tell you all about it!

©Universal

From all the cool merchandise to the new character meet and greets — there is so much to explore. One of the highly anticipated extras in this new park is the Power-Up Band, an interactive, wearable wristband that allows you to participate in challenges, interact with your surroundings, and more. We’re here to tell you ALL about it. Come find out how they work!

These Power-Up Bands are available in six different designs based on Nintendo characters — Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, and Yoshi. While you don’t need to purchase one of these bands to enjoy the park, there are some pretty cool extras you get to experience with one, so let’s take a look at what they can do.

Pick Your Team

First, you need to decide which band to get! Once you choose between Mario, Luigi, Toad, Yoshi, Princess Peach, and Princess Daisy, you’ll be on that character’s “team” for the day as you compete in challenges.

©Universal

We decided to grab a Luigi band! These bands will continue to work every time you visit the park, but if you want to switch teams, you’ll have to buy another band.

We got Luigi!

Now let’s get to the ride!

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, the park’s signature attraction, has an added bonus for Power-Up Band users — you can tap the steering wheel once you’re seated, and it keeps track of the coins you earn.

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The steering wheel

These scores can then be accessed in the app and compared to friends and family you’re linked to.

Key Challenges

With your Power-Up Band, you can participate in the Key Challenges around the land: Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap, and Thwomp Panel Panic.

Goomba Crazy Crank

There were long lines for all of these attractions (as to be expected on its opening day), so these were VERY popular! We did notice that you have to tap your band pretty hard for some of the blocks, and it’ll make a different sound than someone who doesn’t have a band tapping it.

Pow blocks

Complete at least three of these challenges to get access to even more interactive experiences.

Bowser Jr. Showdown

Once you collect at least three of the four keys, you can unlock the final challenge: Bowser Jr. Showdown. Once you scan in, you can enter Bowser Jr.’s hideout and play an interactive exclusive game.

©Universal

In this game, you’ll battle with Bowser Jr. via a big virtual screen.

Outside Bowser Jr. Showdown

It’s quite the workout, so be ready!

Interact With Surroundings

While you’re walking around the land, you’ll find interactive opportunities, like blocks you can “punch” to collect digital coins and stamps, which you can access in the app.

Be sure to tap those bricks with the question marks!

There were so many people it was hard to move around when we visited, so it might take a while to find these blocks, but it may be worth it for you!

Where to Buy

You can grab your Power-Up Band at select retail stores around Universal Studios Hollywood, including the Character Shop and 1-UP Factory, a new store in Super Nintendo World.

1-Up Factory

Universal suggests that you save time by buying and setting up your bands before you enter the land. In order to get it set up, you’ll need to download the Universal Studios Hollywood app and create an account. Once you’ve done that, simply scan the QR code on the back of the Power-Up Band and follow the instructions to begin!

The QR code

Overall, we thought that the Power-Up Band is totally worth it if you’re looking to experience everything in the land. Without the band, you’re really limited to riding the ride, eating at Toadstool Cafe, and meeting characters. The Power-Up band opens up so many more interactive opportunities, so if you want to experience it all, this is the way to go!