Super Mario Bros Anniversary Direct: New Games, Collectibles, and More

It took me a few minutes after the Super Mario Bros anniversary Nintendo Direct presentation to write this wrap-up. Overall, I’m so excited for what Nintendo planned on this special occasion. Before putting on my reporter hat, I had to fanboy out for a bit. If you love Mario games, then this lineup of games, collectibles, and more feel so exciting and fulfilling. I can remember hunting around my home town back in the Wii days to grab the Super Mario All-Stars game re-released for the console. There’s a love for Mario that many other characters and games simply can’t match. In short, this lineup is sure to fulfill all your wants and needs when it comes to Mario. Here’s a full rundown of the presentation.

Super Mario Bros Anniversary Direct – 35 Years of Fun

Image Credit: Nintendo

The video for this 35th-anniversary celebration launched this morning along with an accompanying website. I mentioned earlier this Spring that leaks confirmed some sort of celebration including ports of old games would likely release this year. Despite this, Nintendo’s full-fledged lineup of fun releases surprised me. Let’s run through games, collectibles, and other fun bonuses.

First up, games. The real heavy-hitter in this presentation is Super Mario 3D All-Stars. The package is a collection of three Super Mario games of the modern era, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. Each game has a higher resolution, improved control input for the Switch’s Joy-Cons, and other upgrades to enhance the experience. All three come in a bundle that will release September 18 digitally as well as in limited physical copies. Another modern Mario game, Super Mario 3D World, along with the Bowser’s Fury add-on, releases February 12, 2021. This game originally made history on the Wii U and was one of the games I expected might get a port to the Nintendo Switch.

We’ll also see the original Super Mario All-Stars game for SNES hit the Nintendo Switch Online service. Here, we’ll also see a 35-player battle royale game called Super Mario Bros 35 where enemies you defeat are sent to your opponents until one winner remains. It’s a lot like Tetris 99 and proves even the 35th Super Mario Bros anniversary can’t stop Mario from keeping up with trends.

Surprising Toy-Game Hybrids Announced

Image Credit: Nintendo

Two major surprises to me are some of the most exciting things in store for Mario’s 35th. Firstly, the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros handheld is a huge throwback. This release is a mini gaming device inspired by the retro Game & Watch systems that play the original Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels, and Ball game. If you’re confused, then let me briefly explain. Way back when, Nintendo released handheld devices that could play a single game. They also served as a clock and fit in your pocket. Collectors love these for their nostalgia factor. A new one with these games is going to be a blast. Plus, it features a full-color screen and great resolution.

The other major toy-game hybrid is Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. This one is a seriously incredible idea come to life. The game allows you to drive an RC kart around your home and play Mario Kart in your living room. With four gates you stand around the room, you can create Mario Kart courses wherever you want. I’m curious how they work on the carpet for those without hardwood floors, but it’s still pretty cool. The release for this game is October 16 which really isn’t all that far. I can see this being a huge Christmas item.

 Super Mario Bros Anniversary Collectibles and Merch

Image Credit: Nintendo

A lineup of product releases to celebrate the 35th anniversary will also begin shortly. The lineup includes a crazy cool pair of PUMA RS-Dreamers in the style of Super Mario 64. Also, you buy Monopoly Super Mario Celebration and Jenga Super Mario from Hasbro starting now. Toy company JAKKS Pacific will release a large action figure called It’s-a-Me, Mario today as well. Clothing company Black Milk will also unveil a lookbook on September 29 for a full run of Mario clothing. The full lineup releases October 5. Lastly, the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System and LEGO Super Mario sets are on shelves now.

Ovearll, this was a great lineup of new games and fun releases. Mario is a highly influential character and figure in pop culture. For 35 years, Mario entertained and accompanied kids and adults alike on fun adventures. Even today, Mario’s name and design is recognizable to many. There’s no sign that Mario will slowly fade away. If anything, then we’re likely seeing more of Mario in the next 35 years. I know my fond memories with Mario are something immediately revived in a video like this. If you have some fun memories with the Super Mario Bros anniversary coming up, then let us know in the comments!

Thanks for reading Comic Years for all things gaming, comics, and pop culture.

Featured Image Credit: Nintendo

Taylor is the Gaming Editor of Comic Years and a lifelong fan of video games. He holds two degrees in Political Communication and wrote a Master's Thesis on resistance movements, race, and the exploitation of college athletes. His wife and two Toy Australian Sheppards keep him sane.