This year marks the 35th anniversary since the release of the original Super Mario Bros on the Famicom in Japan, and a huge turning point in the gaming industry. In a special Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Direct video, Nintendo announced several new Mario games for Switch, as well as events in other games.
See our breakdown of the big new game announcements, and watch the full Direct above.
Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.
Before the Game Boy, Nintendo produced a series of handheld gaming devices called Game & Watch throughout the 80s. Nintendo is releasing a retro Game & Watch system loaded with the original Super Mario Bros., as well as The Lost Levels sequel and a Mario-themed version of Ball.
In a nod to the original systems, Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros also functions as a clock, and includes 35 hidden secrets.
Release: Nov. 3 ($49.99)
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Bowser’s Fury is an enhanced version of Super Mario 3D World, the flagship Mario title for the Wii U known for its local and online co-op multiplayer. Nintendo is teasing details of what Bowser’s Fury entails in a future update, but we’re also getting amiibo figures of Cat Mario and Cat Peach alongside the release next year.
Release: Feb. 12, 2021
Super Mario Bros. 35
My personal favorite announcement is a unique multiplayer last-person-standing clash between 35 players and the original Super Mario Bros. Games are played synchronously, and defeating enemies sends them to other players! Super Mario Bros. 35 will release exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members. Strangely it will only be available for a limited time, through the end of March 2021.
Release: Oct.1 (Nintendo Switch Online members, ends March 31, 2021).
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
Mario Kart enters the real world, or at least the world of augmented reality, with Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. Using a physical Kart toy, players race around the real world, picking up items, driving through gates, and interacting with digital drivers – or other real players with more Kart toys. Up to four players can compete in local multiplayer.
Home Circuit will launch in October in a Mario Set and a Luigi Set, for $99.99.
Release: Oct. 16 ($99.99)
Super Mario All-Stars
The Switch is getting a port of Super Mario All-Stars, which released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and collected all the major Mario games of the 8-bit generation: Super Mario Bros, The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2, and Super Mario Bros. 3. All-Stars gives all the games a 16-bit face-lift, and is now available for Nintendo Switch Online members.
Release: Today (Nintendo Switch Online members)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
As you may have guessed, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a compilation of the early 3D era of Mario games: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. The games feature higher resolutions and a music mode, letting you play music from the games even when the screen is off.
Release: Sept. 18
New Mario-themed products include a Monopoly Super Mario celebration, Jenga Super Mario, and Mario-branded clothing at Black Milk Clothing. Events include A 35th anniversary Ninji Speedrun course coming to Super Mario Maker 2 in November, and an in-game online tournament in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate coming later this year.
