5-minute listening: First Super Nintendo World outside Japan to open February in the US at Universal Studios Hollywood

1. Which country has an existing Super Nintendo World?
A. Japan
B. China
C. the United Kingdom
D. Germany

2. If something is “iconic”, it is ...
A. not known by many people.
B. widely recognised as a symbol.
C. no longer in use.
D. replaced by something newer.

3. What are visitors likely to see at the theme park’s entrance?
A. yellow stars
B. a green pipe
C. Toadstool Cafe
D. augmented reality headsets

4. What does the “new land” in the podcast refer to?
A. Bowser’s Den
B. Princess Peach’s Castle
C. Mushroom Kingdom
D. Yoshi’s Island

5. What is the name of the main attraction at Super Nintendo World?
A. Bowser Junior Shadow Showdown
B. Yoshi’s Adventure
C. AR Mario Kart
D. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

6. What does Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge aim to replicate?
A. an escape room
B. a video game experience
C. a roller-coaster ride
D. a real kart racing circuit

7. Which word has the same meaning as “don”?
A. wear
B. remove
C. enjoy
D. gather

8. What is the maximum number of players that can fit inside each vehicle in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge?
A. one
B. two
C. four
D. eight

9. What do visitors do in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge?
A. race along a moving track
B. collect coins
C. compete against another team
D. all of the above

10. Why are guests collecting digital coins and completing challenges?
A. to obtain special keys
B. for free rides
C. to get wristbands
D. for plush toys

11. Which of the following phrases can replace “guests who need to refuel”?
A. avid Super Mario fans
B. children who are lost
C. visitors who are hungry
D. those who need to fill up their vehicle’s engines

12. Which of the following is not mentioned in the podcast as a menu item at Toadstool Cafe?
A. Piranha Plant Caprese
B. Luigi’s Special Spaghetti
C. Super Mushroom Soup
D. Princess Peach Cupcakes

13. What can visitors do at 1-Up Factory store?
A. purchase themed snacks
B. redeem free gifts
C. take a photo with Super Mario characters
D. buy souvenirs

14. Which theme park is Super Nintendo World located in?
A. Jurassic World
B. Universal Studios Hollywood
C. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
D. Transformers

15. How much will visitors have to pay in total for a one-day ticket to Super Nintendo World?
A. US$55
B. HK$109
C. US$109
D. information not given

1. A
2. B
3. B
4. C
5. D
6. B
7. A
8. C
9. D
10. A
11. C
12. B
13. D
14. B
15. C

Voice 1: The first Super Nintendo World outside Japan will open on February 17 in the United States at theme park Universal Studios Hollywood in the state of California. Here’s what fans can expect.

Voice 2: From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits them, and it will be entirely unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Visitors will be transported to the Mushroom Kingdom of Nintendo’s Super Mario franchise with in-person and augmented reality features across the new land.

Voice 1: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge will be the star attraction. With a mix of augmented reality, projection mapping technology and a moving track, it’ll be the closest thing to stepping inside a Mario Kart video game. Guests will don AR headsets as they zip through familiar courses in four-person vehicles, collecting coins and competing against Team Bowser for the Golden Cup. Each race will have a variety of outcomes.

Voice 2: According to Universal Studios Hollywood, the themed land will also have interactive games and activities, as well as AR binoculars that give the space a new dimension. Guests can collect digital coins and complete challenges to obtain keys from characters such as Koopa Troopa and Goomba. For an added layer of engagement, visitors can purchase Power-Up wristbands that do things like keep track of scores and unlock extra-special interactions with Luigi, Mario and Princess Peach.

Voice 1: Guests who need to refuel can find an array of themed dishes like Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese and Princess Peach Cupcakes at Toadstool Cafe. Super Mario fans who want to bring a piece of their experience home can find all sorts of souvenirs at the 1-Up Factory store.

Voice 2: Super Nintendo World will be located in a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lower Lot. The area is home to rides themed on films, Jurassic World, Mummy and Transformers. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also located in a different part of this theme park. One-day tickets start at US$109, and it includes admission to both Super Nintendo World and Universal Studios Hollywood.