The first ever “Super Mario” theme park will open in February, Universal Studios Japan said on November 30.

A real-life “Super Mario” game – where players jump to collect coins – and a “Mario Kart” is first foray for gaming giant Nintendo makes its first foray into theme parks.

The attraction in the city of Osaka was originally planned to open in July ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, with huge droves of visitors expected.

But the long-awaited “Super Nintendo World” zone at Universal Studios Japan was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic along with the Games, which will now be held next summer.

Now Nintendo fans can visit the attraction from February 4 – although Japan’s borders have been closed to almost all foreign tourists for months, with no plan yet announced to ease these restrictions.

Universal Studios Japan calls it an “immersive land featuring Nintendo’s legendary worlds, characters and adventures where guests will be able to play inside their favourite Nintendo games”.

Augmented reality headsets are a feature of some rides, while a smartphone-linked wristband allows visitors to collect virtual coins and items, like in the popular Mario games. There is also a ride based on the cute green dinosaur Yoshi.