Mario continues to soar

New Super Mario Bros. Wii was Nintendo's big Christmas hit of 2009, sweeping all before it in a multi-coloured wave of shells, fire flowers and multiplayer rage. It wasn't just a big hit with consumers though, netting a range of awards, the latest being the Grand Award from Japan's Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA).

Voted for by gaming luminaries including Masahiro Sakurai, Shinji Mikami, Shuu Takumi and more, New Super Mario Bros. Wii won the Grand Award as Game of the Year, the jury stating:

This game received the award in recognition of the masterful way it allows people of all ages and from beginners to experts to enjoy playing together.

Mario led a crusade of victorious Nintendo titles across various categories, with five DS titles and two Wii games leaving with statues. Here's the complete list of categories and winners:

Grand Award - New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)
Game Designers Award - HEAVY RAIN (PS3)
Award for excellence - INAZUMA ELEVEN2 Invader of Menace (Tentative title) (DS)
Wii Sports Resort (Wii)
Tomodachi Collection (DS)
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (DS)
FINAL FANTASY XIII (PS3)
BAYONETTA (PS3/XB360)
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions (DS)
MONSTER HUNTER® 3(tri-) (Wii)
LOVEPLUS (DS)
Ryu ga Gotoku 4: Densetsu wo Tsugumono (PS3)
Best Sales Award - Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (DS)
Global Award, Japanese Product - Wii Sports Resort (Wii)
Global Award, Foreign Product - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3/XB360)

[source awards.cesa.or.jp]