Mario has come a long way since jumping on that first Goomba in World 1-1 of the original Super Mario Bros.
Now, 35 years since the launch of that game in Japan, the iconic plumber is starring in new titles on Nintendo Switch and lending his likeness to brands such as Lego and Monopoly.
There will even be a Super Mario-themed splatfest in Splatoon 2 while in Animal Crossing: New Horizons Super Mario furniture will be available from March next year.
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To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros, Nintendo has announced a range of new games and merchandise. Here, we pick out the best products. Wahoo, let’s-a go!
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
Created in partnership by Nintendo and Velan Studios, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit brings the fun of the Mario Kart series into the real world by using a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite to race against opponents using a physical kart. Players place gates to create a custom course layout in their home, where the only limit is their imagination. Race against Koopalings in grand prix to unlock skins to customise courses and costumes for Mario and Luigi, and play with up to four players in local multiplayer mode.
Available from 16 October, the Mario or Luigi Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit models can be pre-ordered for £99
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Optimised versions of 3D Super Mario games Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy, are coming to Nintendo Switch in one package. In addition to having higher resolutions than their original versions, the games have been optimised for a smooth gameplay experience on Nintendo Switch. Super Mario 3D All-Stars also includes an in-game music-player mode to play the music and songs from all three games. Players can also listen to music on their Nintendo Switch systems when the screen is off. The packaged version software is a limited-time only production, and the digital version will be a limited-time only release until the end of March 2021.
Available to pre-order for £49.99, Super Mario 3D All-Stars launches exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on 18 September
Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros
This new collectable device is inspired by the original Game & Watch systems first released in the 1980s. The original handheld device included a game and could also be used as a watch to tell time. The original Game & Watch series sold more than 43 million worldwide. In addition to playing classic games Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels and a special version of Ball with a Mario makeover, Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros also functions as a clock, with 35 little touches to discover, including some guest appearances from Mario’s friends and foes.
Costing £44.99, Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros launches on 13 November
Super Mario Bros 35
In this online battle game, 35 players will compete to be the last Mario standing… or running. Enemies defeated will be sent to other players’ courses, but that also works the other way around. Players can activate special items to try and outpace their opponents.
Launches 1 October as a digital-only game exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members. The game will be playable until 31 March 2021
