Level Up Your Epic Universe Adventure: Why Power-Up Bands Are A Must for Super Nintendo World
By: Ashley Packwood
May 18, 2025
Are you ready to be the main character in a life-size video game? Power-Up Bands have arrived at Universal Orlando Resort, and its long-awaited opening of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe! These colorful, interactive wristbands bring your favorite video games to life and are set to become one of the most exciting features of Universal’s newest park.
I had the (fun) opportunity to purchase and play with my very own Princess Peach Power-Up Band at a special preview of Epic Universe. Whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo fan or traveling with kids who dream of becoming the next Mario or Princess Peach, here’s everything you need to know about Power-Up Bands at Epic Universe—and why they’re a must-have for your trip.
What Is a Power-Up Band?
A Power-Up Band is an interactive wristband that syncs with the Universal Orlando app to transform your time in Super Nintendo World into an immersive video game adventure. Designed with popular Nintendo characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and more, the bands let you become part of the game—literally.
Each band is created with its very own ID. Activating your band and linking it to your Universal account by using your personal band ID is made extremely simple. Once you are linked, you can collect digital coins, complete challenges, track your progress, and team up with friends and family. It’s theme park tech meets real-life gaming, and it’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
What Can You Do With a Power-Up Band at Epic Universe?
Here’s what makes the Power-Up Band so much fun:
Collect Digital Coins: by hitting interactive “?” blocks (and some brick-blocks) around Super Nintendo World you collect coins—just like in the game! Make sure to take a picture hitting the blocks, they make for great action shots!
Complete Key Challenges: play mini-games to collect keys and unlock even more games and boss battles, including a final showdown with Bowser Jr. By collecting keys you (literally) unlock access to level up your band interaction in Nintendo World.
Track Your Progress: the Universal Orlando app allows you to view and track progress including scores, achievements, and your place on the leaderboard.
Play as a Team: by choosing a character you play with others; see how your group stacks up against other visitors.
Interact with Characters: make sure to show your band during meet-and-greets to see how the characters respond.
Unlock Easter Eggs: secrets are hidden throughout the land, this makes each visit a new adventure.
Where to Buy a Power-Up Band at Epic Universe
Power-Up Bands are available for purchase at several locations within Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe, at CityWalk and at the resorts. Each band costs $45 plus tax (based on current pricing at Epic Universe).
Already visited another Super Nintendo World? Your Power-Up Band from Universal Studios Hollywood or Japan should still work here!
Are Power-Up Bands Worth It?
If you want to know if the cost of the band is really worth it, my answer is YES!, especially if you want to get the most out of Super Nintendo World.
For kids and families, the bands adds a whole new layer of fun and interaction. Add some competition to your visit by having a friendly tournament (winner buys everyone Yoshi Smoothies from Yoshi’s Snack Island). And…it’s a souvenir that you can bring back again and enhances the experience.
Pro Tips for Using Your Power-Up Band Like a Pro
Buy your band from your Universal resort so you can interact with the land as soon as you arrive. If you aren’t staying at a Universal Resort, make sure to get your band as early as possible so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.
Link to the Universal app before entering Super Nintendo World. (I had a Team Member help me link it to make sure I knew how it all worked.)
Choose your favorite character—your team will track points together.
Start with Key Challenges to unlock Bowser Jr.'s Shadow Showdown. I don’t want to give away too much of the fun, but the Showdown is a must!!
Make it a family game and compete for bragging rights!
Power Up for an Epic Adventure
Power-Up Bands are more than just wearable tech—they’re your key to unlocking the full magic of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe. With a mix of nostalgia, interactivity, and cutting-edge technology, these bands turn a day at the park into a full-blown Nintendo adventure. I’m just a big 90’s kid and I could’ve played and earned coins for a portion of the day!
So, if you're planning to visit Epic Universe, don’t just walk through Super Nintendo World, play through it.
Ready to plan your Universal Orlando vacation? I’d love to help you power up your trip with park tickets, resort stays, and insider tips!
Ashley@WishesFamilyTravel.com
IG: @ashleyp_travels
www.facebook.com/ashleywft