Ready to step into the world of Mario at Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Hollywood? Why wouldn’t you! This immersive land in the lower lot puts you right into the gaming world. Surrounded by your favorite obstacles, villains, and of course those iconic “?” boxes, it’s a must visit area. But you may be wondering about the Nintendo Power-Up Bands and if they are actually worth buying. Are they necessary? What are their capabilities? Let’s discuss.

The Basics of the Nintendo Power-Up Band

So, what’s the deal with this accessory? Is it worth it to buy a Power-Up Band? For starters, the Power-Up Band is $42 and comes in 6 character options: Yoshi, Princess Peach, Mario, Luigi, Daisy, and Toad.

If you plan on putting together a fun outfit for Super Nintendo World, your Power-Up Band can also make for a nice finishing touch on a character-inspired look!

It’s a slap-on wrist bracelet that allows for easy adjustability. It is not required to get a Power-Up Band for access or enjoyment of Super Nintendo World. You also should not be punching or hitting boxes with the Power-Up Band – just using the hand it’s attached to will be enough for it to register.

With the basics covered, let’s dive into what you can do with one of these wristbands.

1. Digital Stamps and Coins Galore!

Ever dreamt of making that triumphant “ding” sound when hitting “?” boxes? Well your dream comes true with the Power-Up Band.

Punch those Question Mark boxes with the hand that your Power-Up Band is attached to and get ready to hear that oh-so satisfying noise. Collect digital stamps and coins as you traverse through Super Nintendo World. Don’t have a band? Well you can still punch the boxes. But you’ll be met with a dud noise when you hit one.

2. Key Challenges: Unlock the Adventure!

Embark on thrilling Key Challenges like Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap, and Thwomp Panel Panic. Collect three out of four keys to unlock the final challenge and step into Bowser Jr.’s hideout for the ultimate showdown – the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown awaits!

You can start these challenge from the Universal Studios Hollywood app after you connect your Power-Up Band to it.

3. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Buckle up for an epic ride on Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge. Tap and hold your Power-Up Band on the steering wheel to keep track of your score as you speed through the adventure. It’s not just a ride; it’s a gaming experience like no other!

Again, it is not required to have a Nintendo Power-Up Band to play the game or receive a score on this ride. Being able to keep track of your score could come in handy if you plan to make multiple trips to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. However, for a one time visit, keeping track of your score isn’t really needed.

4. Meet Your Heroes: Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach

When you wear it while doing your character meet-and-greets with Mario, Luigi, or Princess Peach in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, you may receive an enhanced experience.

Based on what is listed by Universal, there is no information on what that experience is. Furthermore, it says that you “may receive” this experience which implies that it is not guaranteed.

5. Score Tracking Made Easy

This goes beyond your score on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. Track your score effortlessly by visiting checkpoints in the land or through the Universal Studios Hollywood app. Stay on top of your game and compete with friends, family, and even other teams throughout the day.

6. BONUS: amiibo Integration!

Your Power-Up Band isn’t just limited to Super Nintendo World – it’s also your amiibo for the corresponding character on Nintendo Switch systems! So if you have the Mario Nintendo Power-Up Band, then you’ll get the Mario amiibo. Unlock surprising new features, modes, and customizations by tapping your Power-Up Band while playing compatible games.

Is a Nintendo Power-Up Band worth the money?

So, is it truly worth it to spend $42 on a Nintendo Power-Up Band? In my opinion, it wasn’t but hear me out. I do not have a Universal Studios Hollywood annual pass. I only just went to Universal for the first time on this trip to see Super Nintendo World and was gifted a Power-Up Band by the Universal Studios team.

To be fair, I did not know the full capabilities of the band until my day was over. But I don’t think knowing the information ahead of time would have changed my mind. But let me break down the pros and cons of having one as a 1-time visitor versus an annual passholder.

If you’re an annual passholder

• PRO: You can keep track of your coin score.
• PRO: Unlocks app challenges.
• CON: Once you complete the app challenges, there’s really no thrill in doing them a second time. You will already know how to complete them.
• CON: Super Nintendo World is a fairly small area that can be fully explored in maybe a day or two. To me, there’s no point in spending that money for 1 or 2 days of new experiences.

If you only visit once

• PRO: Unlocks everything you could do, including the app challenges.
• CON: No need to keep track of your coin score.
• CON: Because this is a new area of the park, it is fairly busy. You may not even be able to do everything with the band because of the crowds.

Overall, there is enough to consider in whether or not you purchase a Nintendo Power-Up Band. Personally, if I was not gifted this wristband, I don’t think I would have purchased one.

And if you do plan on going to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, you can save a lot of money by booking a hotel and ticket package with Get Away Today. I saw savings over $300 for a 2-night hotel stay and two 1-Day Universal park admission tickets!