Did Universal Steal Disney World’s MagicBand+ For Super Nintendo World?

A new feature introduced at Super Nintendo World by Universal Studios allows users to engage in interactive areas and experiences throughout the land in a way extremely similar to Disney’s MagicBand+.

During the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney introduced MagicBand+, an upgraded version of their wearable Park admission. In addition to entering a theme park, unlocking a hotel room, and paying for purchases or PhotoPass, this new iteration of the bracelet allows Guests to “unlock enchanting interactions throughout Walt Disney World.”

Credit: Disney Parks

For example, through communications between a Guest’s MagicBand+ and elements across Disney Parks, visitors can check in at virtual queues and Lightning Lane, interact with the Disney Fab 50 Character Sculptures, hunt bounty at Galaxy’s Edge, and even become part of the magic during nighttime spectaculars. Now, Universal has introduced a similar type of wearable tech for their Super Nintendo World opening in February.

Though the feature previously debuted in 2021 as part of the worldbuilding at Universal Studios Japan, the slap-on “Power-Up Bands” will arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Super Nintendo Land when it opens on the 17. The Power-Up bands allow Guests to access data for mini-games at checkpoints around the Park and link their score, coins, and digital stamps to the Universal Studios app.

Credit: Nintendo / Universal

Plus, Universal Guests can utilize the Power-Up Bands to engage with Super Mario characters, such as Princess Peach and Bowser Jr. within the Mushroom Kingdom. Each Power-Up band features a unique design inspired by game characters or elements.

Currently, the bands are only utilized in the Nintendo sections of Universal Studios Parks, but they clearly have the potential to become, well, universal to all other areas. For instance, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter already offers a similar experience in Hogsmeade using interactive wand merchandise.

Credit: Universal Studios Japan

Clearly, as Walt Disney World adapts to utilize new technology and offer better Guest experiences, it sets a standard for all other theme park competitors. DisneyTips will continue to provide updates as they become available.

For now, Guests can try the MagicBand+ counterpart when Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Studios Hollywood February 17. Which will you prefer?