Mario is 35 years old this year. On September 13, 1985, Super Mario Bros. was released on the Nintendo Famicom. It also came out later that year in North America on the then-new 8bit Nintendo Entertainment System. In America, Mario became a new gaming icon, and Nintendo single-handedly saved the console game crash that was happening in the country at the time.
Mario then received two sequels on the system and has since become Nintendo’s mascot character. And also one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. His success has been so huge that even people who aren’t gamers can easily identify Mario and his iconic music. For generations, Mario has symbolized what Nintendo stood for. Quality gameplay, and a lot of fun.
So given the occasion, Nintendo is throwing a celebration in honor of their mascot. The biggest news is the release of Super Mario 3D All-Stars. This is a collection of 3 of Mario’s greatest 3D adventures. Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy.
A Limited Release
However, the release comes with one major caveat. It’ll only be available until March 31, 2021. And the physical retail version of the game will also only be done in a limited run, meaning anyone looking to get their hands on the collection should act fast.
Nintendo has stated no plans for what to do with the collection after the period has run out. We remain hopeful they will do a similar release in the future. But for now, those looking to get their hands on the collection may pre-order it on the Nintendo e-Shop or from a retailer.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury Coming To Switch
The celebration continues with the release of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury on Switch. The game releases February 12, 2021, and unlike Super Mario 3D All-Stars doesn’t seem to have a limited release. So if you’re excited about grabbing this on Switch, it’s worth looking out for. You can pre-order it on the Nintendo e-Shop now.
Super Mario 3D World released on WiiU and was one of the most popular games on the system. Unfortunately, the WiiU didn’t sell well, so many Switch owners who skipped the WiiU will definitely want to pick this one up if they missed out on it.
Super Mario Bros. 35
There will also be the release of Super Mario Bros. 35. Like Super Mario 3D All-Stars, this game will also only be available until March 31, 2021. It also requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership but is free for Nintendo Switch Online members.
Super Mario Bros. 35 is basically Super Mario Bros. Battle Royale. It allows you to play the game competitively with up to 35 other players. The goal can be customized as well, whether it’s reaching the end the quickest, or getting the most coins. It has the twist that any enemies you defeat will be sent to other courses, with the effect that other players can also send them your way.
It also has a randomized item box that adds some strategy to the gameplay. And as you may have guessed, the goal is to be the last Mario standing. It seems like a fun competitive take on the game, and we can’t wait to try it out.
Super Mario Bros. Game & Watch
Finally, there’s the Super Mario Bros. Game & Watch. This is a unique Game & Watch that comes with Super Mario Bros. and The Lost Levels, Ball (a Mario version), and a digital clock. You can grab it from Nintendo or any other retailer. Though you may have to act fast as supply is limited.
And if you’re a Nintendo Switch Online member, you might wanna check out the Super NES collection. Super Mario All-Stars should now be available on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System emulator. This 16-bit enhancement of the first 3 titles is widely considered one of the best collections ever released, and the first example of a remaster.
What do you think about Mario’s 35th Anniversary? How do you plan to celebrate the year of Mario? Let us know in the comments!