Power-Up Band Key Challenges
The Power-Up Band Key Challenges are play experiences found throughout Super Mario Land at all three Super Nintendo World locations. In them, guests interact by using Power-Up Bands to win in five different key challenges, collecting a key from each if they are successful. By collecting at least three keys, guests can participate in a boss battle with Bowser Jr. in Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown and retrieve the Golden Mushroom.[1][2]
Each key is located on a different area of Super Mario Land. Guests hold their Power-Up Band in front of a key reader to start a challenge, and again after they have successfully completed the challenge to claim the key.
Story[edit]
In the official Universal Studios apps for the parks, a series of images detailing the story can be read. They depict Bowser Jr. stealing the Golden Mushroom from Peach's Castle, locking it away and distributing the keys among his minions. The guests are then instructed to use their Power-Up Bands to collect the keys and find the Golden Mushroom.
List of Power-Up Band Key Challenges[edit]
Bob-omb Kaboom Room[edit]
The key for this challenge is guarded by a Bob-omb. The challenge involves guests assembling pieces of a key and putting them together on a large interactive wall before the Bob-omb explodes. It is located at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Epic Universe at the end of the underground maze, after guests walk through a passageway that gives them the illusion of being shrunk down. As a result of this, the Bob-omb appears giant. The Underground Theme from Super Mario Bros. plays inside the maze.[3] This key challenge is not present in Universal Studios Hollywood.
Goomba Crazy Crank[edit]
The key for this challenge is guarded by a Goomba constantly walking on top of a rolling hill. Guests need to turn the crank fast enough to knock the Goomba off the hill and retrieve the key. After knocking the Goomba down, guests can continue to turn the crank to win bonus coins.[3] In Universal Studios Japan and Universal Epic Universe, Goomba Crazy Crank is located to the left of Peach's Castle, in front of Piranha Plant Mishap. In Universal Studios Hollywood, it is located to the right of the castle, next to a gazebo.
Koopa Troopa POWer Punch[edit]
The key for this challenge is guarded by a Koopa Troopa. The challenge involves timing the chain-reaction impact of a series of Red POW Blocks to launch a moving Green Shell at a POW Block with the key on top to collect it. The shell moves left to right while passing through an upside-down T-shaped pipe, and the guest must physically hit a Red POW Block at the right time so the last Red POW Block knocks the shell upwards and collects the key.[1] In Universal Studios Japan and Universal Epic Universe, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch is located to the right of Goomba Crazy Crank. In Universal Studios Hollywood, it is located to the left of the castle.
Piranha Plant Nap Mishap[edit]
The key for this challenge is guarded by a napping Piranha Plant with a long thorny stalk (resembling a Piranha Creeper), with various alarm clocks placed around the area. Guests have to turn off all the ringing alarm clocks to prevent the Piranha Plant from waking up to win the key.[3] In Universal Studios Japan and Universal Epic Universe, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap is located on a wooden deck overlooking the central area of Super Mario Land, in front of Peach's Castle. In Universal Studios Hollywood, it is located to the left of the castle.
Thwomp Panel Panic[edit]
The key for this challenge is guarded by a Thwomp. Guests have to turn every Flipswitch Panel on the large interactive walls from blue to yellow before the Thwomp slams down. Touching one switch can affect others close by.[3] In all three parks, Thwomp Panel Panic is located inside a room marked by a Thwomp standing above the entrance.
Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown[edit]
After collecting at least three keys, guests can participate in Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, a final challenge against Bowser Jr. This challenge is located in a small tower to the left of Peach's Castle in all three parks. The activity's queue passes through a corridor with a Bowser Jr. statue and several paintings of him. Guests then reach a room containing Bowser Jr.'s Toy Chest and the Bowser Jr. Block, near his Junior Clown Car, the magic brush, a Poison Mushroom, and many more objects. Graffiti from Bowser Jr. is painted on all walls of the queue. Following this room is a screen showing the Golden Mushroom being taken from Peach's Castle. The screen then shows an instructional video detailing the activity's rules before guests are allowed into the challenge room.
The challenge room consists of a large screen depicting a rocky wall, with sillhouettes of the participating guests being displayed on it. By manipulating these sillhouettes, the activity creates the illusion of guests jumping great heights or shrinking from taking damage. Before the challenge begins, balloons of various sizes float on the screen, and guests are able to interact with them by jumping and swatting them away. Once the activity begins, various sillhouettes of Bowser Jr. in his Junior Clown Car appear on the screen, along with sillhouettes of Parabombs and Bill Blasters shooting Bullet Bills. Guests can duck to avoid the Bullet Bills and swat the Bob-ombs at Bowser Jr.
Being hit results in guests being reduced in size. Guests can obtain power-ups such as Super Mushrooms and Super Stars from Flying ? Blocks. Super Mushrooms restore guests to their normal size, while Super Stars grant then temporary invincibility. After some time has passed, the real Bowser Jr. reappears, throwing rainbow-colored paint all over the screen. Guests then need to use Fire Flowers to defeat Koopa Paratroopas and Fire Piranha Plants. After a final round of swatting Parabombs at him, Bowser Jr. is defeated and the rock wall is broken, revealing Mount Beanpole. Guests must then jump to reach a Goal Pole, revealing the Golden Mushroom and their final score.
At the activity's exit, a letter written by Peach is displayed that reads:[4]
- Universal Studios Hollywood / Universal Epic Universe
My Brave Friends
You were spectacular! Thank you for helping us find the Golden Mushroom. We could not have done it without you.
Peach
- Universal Studios Japan
あいする みなさんへ
クッパJr.からゴールデンキノコを、それてキノコ王国の平和を守ってください、ありがとうございました!キノピオたちもみんな、喜んでいます。本当にたすかりました。心から、かんしゃしています。
Peach
ピーチよりAisuru minasan e
Kuppa Junia kara Gōruden Kinoko o, sorete Kinoko Ōkoku no heiwa o mamotte kudasai, arigatō gozaimashita! Kinopio-tachi mo minna, yorokon de imasu. Hontō ni tasukarimashita. Kokoro kara, kansha shiteimasu.
Pīchi
Pīchi yoriDear everyone,
Thank you for getting back the Golden Mushroom from Bowser Jr. and helping protect the peace of the Mushroom Kingdom! All the Toads are pleased as well. You really helped us out. You have my heartfelt gratitude.
Peach
From Peach
Other keys[edit]
Once a guest has defeated Bowser Jr., a sixth hidden key can be found by using binoculars to spot an airship carrying Larry, Wendy and Roy.[5]
Universal Studios Hollywood contains a few extra activities which also award guests with keys: character meet-and-greets in the park can give away keys to guests,[6] punching all blocks in the Frosted Glacier section of the park grants guests a key,[7] and finding all 8-Bit characters in the park also grants an unique 8-Bit key.[8]
List of stamps[edit]
- Main article: List of Super Nintendo World stamps
The following stamps can be won by interacting with Power-Up Band Key Challenges and Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown:
Key challenge stamps[edit]
Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown stamps[edit]
| Icon | Name | Requirement | Category | Repeatable | Coins Earned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Mushroom | Defeat Bowser Jr. | Super Mario Land | Yes | ||
| Bowser Jr. Skilled | Defeat Bowser Jr. 2 times in the Shadow Showdown. | Super Mario Land | No | ||
| Bowser Jr. Expert | Defeat Bowser Jr. 5 times in the Shadow Showdown. | Super Mario Land | No | ||
| Perfect Battle | Win the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown without taking damage. | Super Mario Land | Yes | ||
| Spectacular Win | Defeat Bowser Jr. with every player in the group earning an average of at least 20 coins. | Super Mario Land | Yes | ||
| Bowser Jr. Hero | Defeat Bowser Jr. with the highest individual score. | Super Mario Land | Yes | ||
| Toy Chest | Unlock Bowser Jr.’s Toy Chest. | Super Mario Land | No | ||
| First Punch | Punch the Bowser Jr. Block. | Super Mario Land | No | ||
| Flying ? Block | Punch a flying ? Block in Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. | Super Mario Land | No | ||
| Fire Fighter | Destroy something with a fireball in Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. | Super Mario Land | No | ||
| Koopa Paratroopa | Defeat a Koopa Paratroopa in Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. | Super Mario Land | No | ||
| Piranha Plant | Defeat a Piranha Plant in Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. | Super Mario Land | No | ||
| 30 Coins | Collect 30 or more coins in a single battle with Bowser Jr. | Super Mario Land | Yes | ||
| 55 Coins | Collect 55 or more coins in a single battle with Bowser Jr. | Super Mario Land | Yes | ||
| 100 Coins | Collect 100 cumulative coins over all your battles with Bowser Jr. | Super Mario Land | No | ||
| 300 Coins | Collect 300 cumulative coins over all your battles with Bowser Jr. | Super Mario Land | No |
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | パワーアップバンド・キーチャレンジ[9] Pawā Appu Bando Kī Charenji |
Power-Up Band Key Challenge | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 能量手环的关键挑战[10] Néngliàngshǒuhuán de Guānjiàn Tiǎozhàn (Mandarin) Nàhngleuhngsáuwàahn dīk Gwāan'gihn Tīujin (Cantonese) |
Power-Up Band Key Challenge | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 能量手環的關鍵挑戰[11] Néngliàngshǒuhuán de Guānjiàn Tiǎozhàn (Mandarin) Nàhngleuhngsáuwàahn dīk Gwāan'gihn Tīujin (Cantonese) |
Power-Up Band Key Challenge | |
| Korean | 파워 업 밴드 키 챌린지[12] Pawo Eop Baendeu Ki Chaellinji |
Power-Up Band Key Challenge |
Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | とりかえせゴールデンキノコ! クッパJr. ファイナルバトル[13] Torikaese Gōruden Kinoko! Kuppa Jr. Fainaru Batoru |
Take Back the Golden Mushroom! Bowser Jr. Final Battle | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 拿回金色蘑菇吧!酷霸王Jr.最终战斗[14] Náhuí Jīnsè Mógu Ba! Kùbàwáng Jr. Zuìzhōng Zhàndòu (Mandarin) Nàhwùih Gāmsīk Mòhgū Bah! Houhbawòhng Jr. Jeuijūng Jindau (Cantonese) |
Take Back the Golden Mushroom! Bowser Jr. Final Battle | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 拿回金色蘑菇吧!庫巴Jr.最終戰鬥[15] Náhuí Jīnsè Mógu Ba! Kùbā Jr. Zuìzhōng Zhàndòu (Mandarin) Nàhwùih Gāmsīk Mòhgū Bah! Fubā Jr. Jeuijūng Jindau (Cantonese) |
Take Back the Golden Mushroom! Bowser Jr. Final Battle | |
| Korean | 골든버섯을 되찾아라! 쿠파주니어 파이널 배틀[16] Goldeun Beoseoseul Doechajara! Kupa Junieo Paineol Baeteul |
Take Back the Golden Mushroom! Bowser Jr. Final Battle | |
| Portuguese | Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown[17] | - | |
| Spanish | Enfrentamiento de Sombras con Bowser Jr.[18] | Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown |
Goomba Crazy Crank[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | まわせ! クリボー・クルクルクランク[?] Mawase! Kuribō Kurukuru Kuranku |
Turn It! Goomba Spinning Crank | |
| クリボー・クルクルクランク[19] Kuribō Kurukuru Kuranku |
Goomba Spinning Crank | ||
| Portuguese | Goomba Crazy Crank[17] | - | |
| Spanish | Goomba Crazy Crank[18] | - |
Koopa Troopa POWer Punch[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ねらえ! ノコノコ ・POWブロックパンチ[20] Nerae! Nokonoko POW Burokku Panchi |
Aim! Koopa Troopa POW Block Punch | |
| ノコノコ ・POWブロックパンチ[19] Nokonoko POW Burokku Panchi |
Koopa Troopa POW Block Punch | ||
| Portuguese | Koopa Troopa POWer Punch[17] | - | |
| Spanish | Koopa Troopa POWer Punch[18] | - |
Piranha Plant Nap Mishap[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | とめろ! パックンフラワー・アラームパニック[20] Tomero! Pakkun Furawā Arāmu Panikku |
Stop! Piranha Plant Alarm Panic | |
| パックンフラワー・アラームパニック[19] Pakkun Furawā Arāmu Panikku |
Piranha Plant Alarm Panic | ||
| Portuguese | Piranha Plant Nap Mishap[17] | - | |
| Spanish | Piranha Plant Nap Mishap[18] | - |
Bob-omb Kaboom Room[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | あつめろ! ボムへい・バラバラパズル[?] Atsumero! Bomuhei Barabara Pazuru |
Collect! Bob-omb Scattered Puzzle | |
| ボムへい・バラバラパズル[19] Bomuhei Barabara Pazuru |
Bob-omb Scattered Puzzle | ||
| Portuguese | Bob-omb Kaboom Room[17] | - | |
| Spanish | Bob-omb Kaboom Room[18] | - |
Thwomp Panel Panic[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | そろえろ! ドッスン・フリップパネル[?] Soroero! Dossun Furippu Paneru |
Get them together! Thwomp Flip Panel | |
| ドッスン・フリップパネル[19] Dossun Furippu Paneru |
Thwomp Flip Panel | ||
| Portuguese | Thwomp Panel Panic[17] | - | |
| Spanish | Thwomp Panel Panic[18] | - |
References[edit]
- ^ a b Nintendo (December 18, 2020). Super Nintendo World Direct 12.18.2020. YouTube (English). Retrieved December 18, 2020.
- ^ Official Super Nintendo World website. Super Nintendo World (English).
- ^ a b c d Lloyd, S. (February 3, 2021). PHOTOS, VIDEO: Battle Goombas, Koopas, Piranha Plants, and Bob-ombs in the Four Key Challenge Mini-Games in Super Nintendo World. WDW News Today. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
- ^ @insideuniversal (January 12, 2023). After your Bowser Jr, it's only fitting you would get a thank you letter from Princess Peach herself. @UniStudios. X. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ Urge2Game - U2G (August 20, 2025). Where to get the Hidden Key and Sky's the Limit Stamp - Epic Universe - Super Nintendo World. YouTube. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ Character stamps descriptions on the Universal Studios Hollywood app: "Meet [character] and collect a key!"
- ^ "Frosted Glacier Blocks" stamp on the Universal Studios Hollywood app
- ^ "Collect 8-Bit Key" stamp description on the Universal Studios Hollywood app: "Find all 8-Bit characters and collect the key."
- ^ Official Universal Studios Japan website for Super Nintendo World. Japanese. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ Official simplified Chinese website for Super Nintendo World. Simplified Chinese. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- ^ Official Universal Studios Japan website for Super Nintendo World. Traditional Chinese. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ Official Universal Studios Japan website for Super Nintendo World. Korean. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ パワーアップバンド™・キーチャレンジ
- ^ 能量手环™的关键挑战
- ^ 能量手環™的關鍵挑戰
- ^ 파워 업 밴드™ 키 챌린지
- ^ a b c d e f Key Challenges e Atividades Interativas
- ^ a b c d e f Enfrentamiento de Sombras con Bowser Jr.
- ^ a b c d e In-app name on the activity map
- ^ a b December 23, 2020. マップ | スマホと連動してマリオのような"コイン集め"体験も!ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン『SUPER NINTENDO WORLD(スーパーニンテンドーワールド)』まとめ]. Dtimes. Retrieved February 9, 2021.