In the summer of 2018 and through the beginning of 2019, Paul Gale Network reported that Nintendo and Universal were planning on opening a Nintendo Hollywood Store at Universal Studios Hollywood and then things went silent, at least publicly.

Internally, setting the proper location, adjusting the size of the store, and determining when should it be constructed were all happening up to when the pandemic hit…which then only further delayed what was already a complicated plan. This past summer I stated that Super Nintendo World merchandise be arriving at the Universal Studios Store and in August, it did.

Fast forward a bit and after selling through their first shipment, a brand new wave of merchandise is being held and will soon make its way to the Feature Presentation store, prominently featured when you first walk into the park. This place is getting a major Mario makeover with other announcements from the brand currently set to drop on Mario Day, March, 10th.

Though this might not be the Nintendo Hollywood Store announcement that some have been waiting for, it’s close. And with this on the way, the first of Mario Kart 8: Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass taking effect on March 18th, and the Mario movie hitting theaters this December, 21st…fans of the franchise have plenty to look forward to.

Speaking of the film, my source said that the first Mario movie poster and trailer are prepped, but are being kept extremely tight. Nintendo is taking as many precautions as they can with this one and all of the mystery, personally, is only making me more stoked to finally see it. How about you!?