Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World:  Everything you need to know!

If you’re planning a trip to Epic Universe and looking for a guide to Power-Up bands at Super Nintendo World, this is for you! Power-Up Bands make your visit even more interactive. So let’s talk everything you need to know about these Power-Up bands at Epic Universe, including whether or not you need them.

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a travel blogger, and a long-time Universal Annual Passholder.

As both a Universal Travel Agent and mom who’s visited the parks more times than I can count, I’m here to help you plan your visit to Universal Orlando vacation with confidence! Contact me for more information if you’d like assistance in booking your Universal vacation at no cost to you. 

If you’re flying into Orlando for your vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the absolute best rates on rental cars; you don’t pay until you pick it up, and cancellation is free.

What Is a Power-Up Band?

Think of the Power-Up Band as a real-life video game controller that brings Super Nintendo World to life. Once you buy and link it to your Universal Orlando app, the band turns your day in the park into a giant, interactive Mario adventure. You can collect coins, complete challenges, and even battle Bowser Jr.!

There are different bands representing different characters. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, or Daisy. When we visited Epic Universe during previews, we chose Yoshi as our first Power-Up band.

How It Works

First things first in this guide to Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World, let’s talk about how they work.

1. Buy your band. You’ll find them in themed shops throughout the land as well as the main shops in Epic Universe.

2. Scan the QR code on the back to link it with your Universal Orlando app.

3. Once it’s activated, you can:

   • Collect digital coins by tapping your band on “?” blocks.

   • Complete Key Challenges like Goomba Crank or Thwomp Panel Panic to earn keys.

   • Unlock access to the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown mini-game after collecting three keys.

   • Track your scores and compare them to others in the app.

4. Bonus: Power-Up Bands also work as amiibos for compatible Nintendo Switch games!

Are Power-Up bands at Epic Universe worth it?

Power-Up Bands are perfect for kids (usually ages 5 and up) who enjoy collecting things, solving mini-challenges, or competing for high scores. It’s especially fun if you plan to spend a few hours exploring the land instead of just doing the rides.

You might skip it if:

• You’re traveling with toddlers or preschoolers who may lose interest quickly.

• If your family is more interested in the other lands and won’t spend as much time in Super Nintendo World.

• If you are strictly watching your budget.

Even without a Power-Up Band, you can still enjoy the rides, character meet-and-greets, and incredible theming.

How Much Do Power-Up Bands Cost?

Power-Up Bands cost around $45 (plus tax). You can find them in Super Nintendo World shops and in other parts of the park.

Tips for Using Power-Up Bands with Kids

• Set it up before entering the land so you can jump right into gameplay.

• If you’re on a strict budget, you don’t need one per person. If you’re unsure, start with one band and let everyone share.

Power-Up Band FAQ

Do you need a Power-Up Band to enjoy Super Nintendo World?
No, but we recommend it for the full experience and level of interactivity. This is particularly true for families with kids who don’t enjoy rides!

Can you reuse a Power-Up Band on future visits?
Yes. Once you buy it, it’s yours to keep and use again on future Universal visits or even at Super Nintendo World locations in other parks.

Do you need a Power-Up Band for every person?
Not necessarily. You can share one within your family, but each person needs their own band if they want to collect coins and track scores individually.

Are Power-Up Bands waterproof?
They’re splash-resistant but not fully waterproof, so take them off before jumping into the pool at your resort! It’s probably fine to leave it on while washing your hands. Speaking of washing your hands, did we mention that even the bathrooms in Super Nintendo World are fully immersive?!

Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World

I hope this guide to Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World helps you understand the bands and how they can add to your trip.

If you’re ready to plan your family’s trip to Universal Orlando or need a little help figuring it all out, contact me today!

We have lots more Universal Orlando and Epic Universe tips on the blog. Check them out!

• The Ultimate Guide to Epic Universe
• How to get chosen for the Wand Experience at Ollivanders
• 10 things to know before going to Epic Universe
• A Guide to Special Events at Universal Orlando
• The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Hotels
• 15 Genius Universal Studios Hacks

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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