- The anniversary arrives with a confirmed film and release schedule.
- Reissues of Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 for Switch and Switch 2
- New content: Wonder for Switch 2, Mario Tennis, and Yoshi's Adventure
- Off-console activities: Kyoto exhibition and Florida park
Four decades have passed since the first Super Mario Bros. was released in Japan, a date that falls on 13th September 1985 and that changed forever the direction of the video gameTo mark the anniversary, Nintendo has prepared a series of announcements that combine nostalgia, launches, and nods to the history of its icon.
The celebration isn't limited to reviving memories; it also looks ahead with films, re-releases, and off-screen activities. The character, recognized for his red cap, blue overalls and mustache, continues to link generations and expand its universe beyond the controller.
An icon that transformed the medium
Before becoming the platform hero, Mario debuted as jumpman in 1981 within Donkey KongThat beginning led Shigeru Miyamoto to outline his own project that, with the release of Super Mario Bros, revitalized an industry that had been in decline and set a standard in level design, rhythm, and precision.
The arrival in Europe took place in 1987 and, in Spain, the NES began to be officially marketed in 1988, expanding a player base that would continue to grow. The phenomenon transcended the game: series, movies, theme parks, and merchandise turned the plumber into a popular symbol easily recognizable anywhere.
In these four decades, the main saga and its derivatives have accumulated figures close to one billion games sold if titles such as Mario Kart or Mario Party. Part of the magnetism is explained by Koji Kondo's iconic music and the sonic personality that Charles Martinet imprinted on his voice for years.
What Nintendo is preparing for the celebration
The big audiovisual headline is the animated sequel: Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie. After the success of 2023, Illumination will repeat production and the theatrical release is set for April 3th 2026, with nods to several installments of the saga and a focus that will travel beyond the Mushroom Kingdom.
En video games, the company relaunches Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on October 2nd in Nintendo Switch construction and also in Nintendo Switch 2These are editions with an improved interface, some extras, and support for 4K resolution on Switch 2, an update that seeks to facilitate access to two highly influential adventures.
There will be two purchase options: joint pack for € 69,99 or each game separately for €39,99. The price has already been debated online, especially among those who remember the limited availability of Super Mario Galaxy within 3D All-Stars in 2020, although this time the second installment is also coming to the current console family.
The line of figures will be expanded with new amiibo Inspired by Galaxy: Flash Mario and Flash Trail. Their launch is scheduled for April 2, 2026, just before the theatrical release, reinforcing the synergy between the products.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder will have a edition for Nintendo Switch 2 which will incorporate additional content. Among these is the addition of Encounter at Belabel Park, a DLC focused on cooperative and competitive play that will expand options and modes.
In addition, Nintendo will market a talking flower toy, inspired by the character who advises the player in Wonder. It's an accessory designed to accompany the launch on the new console in 2026.
The sports section of the Mario universe adds Mario Tennis Fever, scheduled for Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2026. It will include a story mode, a large roster of 38 characters, and new mechanics linked to special rackets and tournaments.
Within the same framework of celebrations will also arrive Yoshi and the Mysterious Book a Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for Spring 2026. This proposal, with the appearance of illustrations that come to life, is especially aimed at the little ones.
Activities beyond the console
The anniversary will extend to the physical world with a illustration exhibition dedicated to the character within the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, an attractive stop for those visiting Japan and wanting to explore its graphic legacy.
The opening of a has also been confirmed new theme park in Florida Next May, Nintendo's third complex of this type, with immersive areas based on its most famous sagas.
Four decades of transformations and winks
Mario has changed in size, shape and abilities with such emblematic enhancers such as tanuki, the bee or the cat suitThese costumes and power-ups have become an essential part of Nintendo's visual language and shared memories across generations.
The spin-off series multiplied their reach: from Dr. Mario or Mario Paint to the competition of Mario Kart, which set a standard for driving arcades with items, accessible learning curves, and long-term depth.
The character's presence outside of his main adventures—animated films, parks, events, and a commemorative day—underscores his status as a cultural icon. His music, his jumps, and his silhouette remain universal identity signs in a constantly evolving environment.
Four decades later, the brand combines past and future with theatrical releases, key reissues and new content in the Switch family. The announced roadmap paints a busy year ahead for veteran fans and newcomers alike who want to rediscover why that 1985 game redefined the platforming genre.
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