Super Mario News
March2014
Weirdness Engineer Uses Four Monitors to Display Whole Super Mario Bros. Levels
It's a me, Mario!
It's always fun when people use their skills to display a beloved video game character in an interesting way. Twitter user Morikuma_Works, who works as an engineer in Japan, has done just that with his four computer monitor display of Super Mario Bros. World 1-1. He also posted a picture of World 1-2, warp zone and all. Quite...
News Super Mario 3D World Picks Up SXSW 2014 Best Multiplayer Game Award
Quite right, too
Super Mario 3D World has done rather well for itself, shifting a respectable number of copies, earning critical acclaim and picking up a host of award nominations and wins. We now have another to add to the list, with the delightful platformer picking up the Best Multiplayer Game award at the SXSW event this past weekend. Nintendo...
Weirdness These iPhone Mock-Ups Suggest That Mario On Mobile Might Be A Bad Idea
Place your tongue firmly in your cheek before reading
Industry experts and jumpy investors are screaming at Nintendo to make games for smartphones right now, but company president Satoru Iwata is adamant that the future of the firm lies in dedicated gaming hardware, rather than diluted, cash-grab experiences on the likes of iOS and Android.
News Valve's Gabe Newell Thinks Super Mario 64 Is Just Swell
Esteemed developer lists it as his favourite non-Valve game
Gabe Newell is arguably one of the most important people in the games industry right now. He's the co-founder and managing director of Valve Corporation, a company which has created some amazing titles and is behind Steam — a popular digital distribution platform which many predict will...
News Special Mario Kart 8 Event Racing Towards SXSW on 7th March
Nintendo of America and Pennzoil strike a deal
Has there ever been a series that so perfectly captures the mayhem of racing games like everyone’s favourite plumber and his red shell collection? The short answer is arguably no, and this May will see Nintendo’s front man return to the track in Mario Kart 8. All new racers, all new tracks, all new...
February2014
News Pre-orders for Mario Kart Ride-on Available at Toys 'R Us in the United States
Comes with a 100,000-mile or 1-Blue Shell warranty
Remember that sweet-looking Mario Kart ride-on we reported was coming to the UK later this year? Turns out Toys 'R Us customers in the United States can already put money down on the same set of wheels. Pre-orders for the Super Mario Kart Ride-on are currently open at the Toys 'R Us website. The 6V...
Weirdness Listen To The Super Mario Theme On A 3,000 Year Old Chinese Instrument
A bit trickier to play than a warp whistle, probably
Doodoo doo do dooo do, dah! - It's the Super Mario theme! Known across the globe and endlessly catchy, this tune has been played on every instrument under the sun, as well a few renditions that should barely count. Hearing a cover version is certainly nothing new, but allow us to present one just...
News Super Mario Bros. Stop Motion Pixel Art Kickstarter Campaign Hops Over Its Target
Funding goal passed with weeks of funding remaining
Nintendo's titles, particularly of the retro variety, inspire many fan projects in the form of music albums and, of course, videos. One example we highlighted in the past was an impressive stop motion video featuring the original Donkey Kong, which was remarkably produced with beads. That was the...
Weirdness Super Mario Bros. Record For Lowest Score is Beaten
A 500 point play-through done without tool assistance
Normally while playing a game, the goal for most people is to see how many points they can rack up; more often than not they aim for the most points possible. There are, however, a select few who flip that idea on its head and shoot for the lowest score possible. Going out of their way to avoid...
News Mario Kart Ride-on Racing into the UK Later this Year
"Billy, why'd you peel all the bananas?"
Let's admit it: some things just feel wasted on the young. With Nintendo stating its desire to increase its IP licensing, those of us who are adults can at least get away with buying the new plushies and figures and such that will come of this. But a licensed replica of Mario's very own Mario Kart as a...
Review NES Open Tournament Golf (Wii U eShop / NES)
Par for the course
If there's one specific niche of which there is no longer any shortage, it's sports titles featuring Mario. The iconic plumber's unlikely prowess at just about any athletic challenge is now extensively and frequently documented, with the likes of Mario Tennis and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games gracing home consoles on a...
Weirdness This Mario Golf Bag Could Help You Hit the Links in Style
Hole in one
Mario Golf: World Tour arrives on 2nd May in North America and Europe, ending a fairly long wait for the latest entry in the popular series. With Mii integration, customisation and online tournaments and communities on the way, it's looking like a promising prospect for a below par — in a good way — score. Nintendo's clearly keen to...
News As The Maker Of Flappy Bird Withdraws His Creation, Nintendo Denies Any Legal Complaint
Japanese firm has no issue with the game's visuals
Unless you've been living down an especially deep well for the past week or so, you'll have heard of the name Flappy Bird. The smartphone title has attracted an astonishing amount of interest both from within and outside the games industry, and its creator Dong Nguyen apparently made $50,000 USD a...
News These Mario Figures Are All Kinds of Awesome
He has that 'cheeky chappy' grin
We do like collectibles here at Nintendo Life, and figurines can be a nice way to decorate our homes with our favourite heroes. While Link is no stranger to gorgeous figurines, Mario's presence is often in the form of plushies, so it's pleasing to find some figures that, while lacking the complexity of Figma...
News Super Mario Hopping Into McDonald's Happy Meals in the UK
And hopefully elsewhere
When considering some challenges facing Nintendo in the current market, it's common for fans to bemoan what they consider to be undercooked or uninspiring advertising and marketing. To take the undercooked description one step further, there is some positive news for those in the UK that feel the Nintendo brand needs more...
January2014
Review Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Wii U eShop / NES)
Super Masochist Bros.
Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels is the famously difficult, Japan-only sequel to the titular plumber's breakout NES hit, expanding on the original formula with deviously challenging level design and obstacles. Western audiences were instead given the comparatively easy 'Super Mario USA' (a re-skinned translation of Nintendo's...
Review Mario Bros. (3DS eShop / NES)
Subpar Mario
Mario and Luigi’s adventures have been nothing short of fantastical over the years, to the point where you could be forgiven for questioning their occupations as plumbers. But despite the brothers’ incredibly varied employment history as doctors, sportsmen and racing drivers — in which they’ve rarely called upon their supposed...
Preview Japanese Gamers Get Their Free Super Mario Bros. Deluxe Download
Can't grumble at free, right?
European gamers have to wait a few weeks longer yet, but lucky Japanese 3DS owners should have already received their free download codes for this fondly-remembered port of a gaming legend. First impressions of Super Mario Deluxe aren't, however, particularly good – the VS. game mode and print options simply don’t...
News Mario's Iconic Hat Is Now Available From Club Nintendo Australia
Don't go plumbing without it
After a surprising end to 2013, Club Nintendo Australia has kicked off the New Year with a bang, adding Mario's famous hat to the local catalogue. As the description on the catalogue states: This is a true-to-life replica of the iconic red hat worn by Mario. Keep it as a collector item, and display it with pride...
Review Super Mario Bros. 3 (Wii U eShop / NES)
A truly super Mario game
Super Mario Bros. 3’s recent arrival on the Wii U eShop seemed like a conspicuously low-key affair compared to the considerable hype that surrounded its hugely anticipated original release back the early nineties. However, that doesn't mean that the lack of booming fanfare should be interpreted as a cause for concern; over...
December2013
News Eurogamer's Game of the Year is a Nintendo Winner
A purrfect result?
Later today we'll publish the results of our staff votes for Game of the Year, in a whole host of categories, with the Reader votes to be counted and shared tomorrow for the Community Awards. We're fascinated to see which games come out as winners in various categories, but while we collate votes we thought we'd share the overall...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Super Mario 3D World Captures Hearts
A perfect Christmas Day game
Over the past two weeks we've covered eleven games, trends or events from the year that we feel represent some of the best of Nintendo in 2013; we'll have a lot more 2013 reminiscences and Game of The Year awards in the coming week, too. Yet it seemed appropriate to end this series on potentially the biggest high for...
News Nintendo Network 3DS Promotion to Offer Free Super Mario Bros. Deluxe Download in Europe
Wahoo!
Today's European Nintendo Direct broadcast certainly showed a festive spirit, with Nintendo of Europe President Satoru Shibata outlining a "Nintendo Network Promotion" to encourage 3DS owners in the region to either create an ID or link their Wii U equivalent. Nintendo Network IDs were added with the major 3DS system update on 10th December,...
News Super Mario Bros. 3 Arrives on Wii U and 3DS Virtual Console on 26th December in Europe
Includes a launch week discount
It's been in demand since Nintendo teased it earlier in the year, and it's almost here. Super Mario Bros. 3 with arrive on the Virtual Console for both Wii U and 3DS on 26th December; it was announced in the European Nintendo Direct by Satoru Shibata, though unfortunately had no mention in the North America equivalent...
News Super Mario 3D World Drops Down UK Charts in Second Week
Link Between Worlds is top Nintendo game in 19th place
Last week brought the PS4 to Europe, which made life rather difficult for Super Mario 3D World on its UK charts début. While it had been hoped that the staying power of the franchise may see it enjoy a strong second week in the UK market, today's all-format charts haven't produced the desired...
Weirdness This Real-Life Version Of Mario Kart Looks Extreme
Blue shells seem thankfully absent
Australia is the place to go if it's raw thrills you're after. Even just putting on a shoe is a potentially heart-racing experience as you wonder what kind of multi-legged monster is waiting within. Bungee-jumping and surfing may be getting a bit stale for some adrenaline junkies though, so what better way to liven...
News Digital Foundry Heaps Praise on Super Mario 3D World
"It [Nintendo] clearly understands what it takes to produce a classic"
Super Mario 3D World has been critically acclaimed, may become a commercial success story in the coming weeks, months and years, and has already played a role in switching up perceptions around what the Wii U can offer gamers. We're yet to see how substantial that impact will be...
Weirdness This Chinese School Has an Enormous Mario Mural on its Building
The lessons probably aren't as awesome
We often see examples of Nintendo culture and its brands appearing in fairly unlikely places and forms, and this is another example that undoubtedly qualifies. It's an enormous New Super Mario Bros. — it suits the later series in terms of design — mural on the side of a Chinese school building; as you'll be...
News Luigi Actor Danny Wells Takes The Great Warp Pipe To The Sky, Aged 72
Death of Mario Bros. Super Show star brings a somber end to Year of Luigi
Those of you old enough to recall The Super Mario Bros. Super Show will no doubt be saddened to hear that Danny Wells, who played Luigi, has passed away at the age of 72. The actor — whose real name was Jack Westelman — passed away last Thursday. He starred in the Mario...
News Super Mario 3D World Struggles Against PS4 Titles in UK Charts
Yes, even Knack
We're huge fans of Super Mario 3D World here at Nintendo Life, giving it a 10 in our review and generally sharing the view that it's a worthy entry into the 3D Mario canon, unique and up there with the best. Those were opinions shared by various outlets, too. Sadly, the positive press and marketing hasn't led to an impressive launch...
November2013
News Nintendo Recreates Super Mario 3D World Through Shadow Hand Puppetry
Shadow Play
Super Mario 3D World has finally arrived in Europe, with the outstanding 3D platformer gracing retail shelves today. After its North American release last week this is a culmination of a heavy marketing campaign, helped along by the fact it's a terrific game, to try and make it and the Wii U the must-have combination this Holiday season...
Weirdness Model Chrissy Teigen Celebrates a Mushroom Kingdom Birthday
Bowser's name reportedly not found on the list
Singer-songwriter John Legend has got to be feeling pretty good right now. Marrying a model is one thing, but marrying a model who later decides to celebrate her 28th birthday with a Super Mario twist is something very special indeed. After tying the knot in September this year, the newly-weds moved on...
News Check Out This Stained Glass Art With A Nintendo Twist
Heart (container) of glass
Let's be honest - when looking for festive gifts this year, an elaborate piece of stained glass artwork to hang in your cathedral / average-sized home might not be the first thing that springs to mind. However, the gallery of Rick Daniels' work showcased on his Etsy site may be just enough to tempt you. A self-taught...
News Super Mario 3D World Underwhelms on Japanese Chart Début
Wii U hardware sales increase by just 5,000 units
Last week we reported on the continuing dominance of the 3DS XL in Japan, and the hope that the launch of Super Mario 3D World would provide a notable boost to the Wii U hardware sales; unfortunately, that hasn't quite been the case. To start with software, Media Create's charts show that Mario's...
Weirdness Mario Takes On Link In This Live-Action Smash Bros. Tribute
Nintendo's biggest characters square off
Smash Bros. may have given fans the tools to answer the age-old question of who would win if Mario had to fight Link, but for some, that's not enough. Stunt team Emc Monkeys — famed for its live-action replications of popular video games — has decided to settle the argument once and for all with its...
News Nintendo's Partnership With Southwest Airlines Takes Off As Mario Gives Away Free Wii U Systems
Mascot needs XXXL size high-vis jacket, probably
Nintendo has various corporate and promotional partnerships, and one of the most recently announced by Nintendo of America is a collaboration with Southwest Airlines. As the "official video game partner" of the company, Nintendo is setting up Wii U Gaming Lounges in some major airports until 22nd...
News New York Times Critic Identifies Super Mario 3D World and Wii U as Highlights of the Season
"The Wii U is also the only new console with a video game worth playing"
Yesterday wasn't necessarily full of happy coverage for the Wii U, such as the grisly news that the Xbox One is already close to passing the Wii U's lifetime-to-date sales in the UK. After plenty of happy Super Mario 3D World vibes, there's been some renewed caution and doubt...
Video Get Your Feet Wet In Super Mario 3D World's Spooky Seasick Wreck
Ghost ship
North America got its hands on Mario's latest adventure last week, and Europe will be able to see what the fuss is about very soon indeed. As you'll know by now, we're running a video every day until the European release, and today it's World 6-2: a spooky trip across haunted seas in the Spooky Seasick Wreck. Those of you who want your...
Video Prepare To Go Super Sized In Mario 3D World's Tricky Trapeze Theatre
Plenty of acrobatics to be found here
Many North American Wii U owners will no doubt have gotten their hands on Super Mario 3D World when it launched in that region yesterday, and to mark the release of this amazing title we'll be running a video every day right up to the European street date — which is next week. Today, it's the high-flying...
Review Mario Party: Island Tour (3DS)
Rolling the dice
Back in 1999, Mario and his crew could have taught Prince a thing or two about how to celebrate the coming of a new millennium. Establishing itself as a mainstay on the Nintendo 64, the Mario Party series showed up three times to blister hands and bring friends and family together to yell at each other at the top of their lungs...
Out Now Super Mario 3D World, A Link Between Worlds and Mario Party: Island Tour
Or, if you're not in North America, just A Link Between Worlds
Today's a particularly busy day in the games retail industry, and certainly one of the most crowded in recent memory. There's new hardware, of course, with last week bringing the PS4 to North America — which arrives next week in Europe — and today delivering the Xbox One throughout...
Video Super Mario Soup Helps Drag Kids Away From Super Mario Game
It's like some kind of food-related paradox
Nintendo is no stranger to working with food companies to promote products, and the Japanese giant has now teamed up with soup maker Campbell's to create the ultimate post-gaming pick-me-up: Super Mario Soup. As you can see from the commercial below, it's the ideal way for parents to lure their excitable...
Weirdness The Fresh Prince Meets Super Mario In This Toe-Tapping Mash-Up
I looked at my (Mushroom) kingdom, I was finally there
With the release of Super Mario 3D World almost upon us, what better way to celebrate than combine the lyrics of classic TV show Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air with the Wii U game's infectious soundtrack? That's exactly what one resourceful soul has done — you can witness the result below. If you're...
Video Super Mario 3D World's Chainlink Charge Level Will Test Your Skills
Make sure you grab the cat suit
Super Mario 3D World is almost with us — it launches in North America tomorrow — and to mark the occasion we're running a different video every day until the European launch, which is next Friday. Today it's World 3-2, otherwise known as Chainlink Charge. Considering how early on in the game this level appears,...
Soapbox Super Mario 3D World's Playful Whimsy is Refreshing, But Faces a Vital Commercial Test
Will an overwhelmingly positive critical response and buzz deliver success?
Something slightly surprising, to me at least, happened yesterday. Super Mario 3D World had a wonderful series of reviews that went live, on any major outlet you'd care to name, bang on the embargo. I'm not talking about the scores — which were excellent — but the...
Video There Are Four New Super Mario 3D World Commercials to Show Off Its Awesomeness
See, it's fun
We can finally say it, unequivocally, without the big embargo anvil over our heads — Super Mario 3D World is a wonderful game. It's magnificent, actually, which is why we gave it 10/10 in our review; it's a must own for Wii U owners and those planning to pick up a system. Nintendo UK is keen to get the message out, of course, and...
Parent Trap Super Mario 3D World Is Another Family Classic From Nintendo
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson is feline groovy
It’s been a while since I first stepped into the world of 3D with Mario. Super Mario 64 seems like an age ago, and my whole family of five has been created in the meantime. However, like any worthwhile creation, a multiplayer version of this three dimensional play-space was important to get right...
News The Second Best Damn Half Time Entertainment You'll Ever See
More Nintendo marching band madness
College Football and marching bands go together like Apple Pie and a cup of Joe in North America, and we hope you forgive our lazy cultural reference. But still, they do, and occasionally these groups put together ridiculously complicated routines with choreography to delight those in the cheap seats. Naturally...
News Nintendo Picks Up 10 Nominations for Spike VGX Awards
Super Mario 3D World up for Game of the Year
Spike TV's annual video game awards show, newly re-branded this year as VGX, has released the list of nominees for its 7th December ceremony. Nintendo doesn't make that bad of a showing among the potential winners, with Nintendo-only titles receiving 10 nominations (11 if you want to count the Wii U...
News Check out These Awesome Super Mario Happy Meal Toys
Although you'll need to go to Japan if you want one
Do you love Super Mario, enjoy eating copious amounts of fast food and also happen to live in Japan? If so, then you're in luck! Starting from next month, McDonalds Japan will be offering two delightful Super Mario toys with its Happy Set meals (essentially the Japanese version of a Happy Meal)...
Weirdness Shigeru Miyamoto Meets Mario in Real Life
Sometimes you just can't get away from your parents
The Mario Bros. may be video game icons, recognizable to millions all around the world; yet you still wouldn't expect to see them strolling (or indeed jumping) down the street. Their 'adventures' in Brooklyn with Dennis Hopper aside, we've rarely seen the duo anywhere outside the green hills of the...
News Miyamoto: Nintendo Has Unfinished Business With Super Mario Galaxy Series
Release of Super Mario 3D World got in the way
Following on from Super Mario 3D World producer Yoshiaki Koizuma comments about the possibility of the Mario series returning to an open-world style approach if there was enough demand for it, EAD General Manager Shigeru Miyamoto has now assured fans in the latest Iwata Asks Interview that the...
"The team had a strong desire from the very start to call it "3D World"
Earlier today we posted a summary of some key points from a recently published Super Mario 3D World Iwata Asks, in which the team discussed camera angles, Rosalina and the desire to feature a large amount of content. The discussion took in plenty of other topics, naturally, as...
News A Super Mario 3D World Soundtrack is Coming to Club Nintendo in Japan
Oh, and it has awesome cover-art
We've commented, throughout our coverage so far, that Super Mario 3D World has a terrific soundtrack performed by a live Big Band / orchestra. Gamers in Japan will have a chance to pick up an official soundtrack as a Club Nintendo reward, which is sure to cause enormous outpourings of envy from, well, everyone else...
Miyamoto & Co. take Iwata through the warp pipe
Nintendo President and CEO Satoru Iwata exercised his gift of gab yet again in the latest Iwata Asks, this time leaving no koopa shell unturned in a rousing discussion with the developers of Super Mario 3D World. Legendary Nintendo producer Shigeru Miyamoto sat down with his fellow 3D World designers...
Video This "10 New Things" Super Mario 3D World Trailer Will Push Your Buttons
Super is the word
Super Mario 3D World is, based on many written perceptions of Nintendo fans online, a game that becomes increasingly exciting the more it's seen. The initial E3 trailer arguably struggled to prompt much buzz, but recent videos have taken the action up a notch and, in the process, ramped up the hype levels for the plumber's next...
News Mario Party: Island Tour Gets The Dice Rolling On 17th January In Europe
Get the party started
Not too long ago we reported that Mario Party: Island Tour had suffered a delay into early 2014 — it was previously scheduled to arrive this month in Europe. Today's Nintendo Direct confirmed that the title will launch in the region on 17th January 2014, bringing with it a variety of wacky mini-games and seven new boards to...
News Full Screen Mario Web Game Closed Down Following Nintendo's Copyright Complaint
Popular HTML5 remake is no more
In mid-October we told you about Full Screen Mario, a free, open-source HTML5 web version of the original Super Mario Bros., the work of college student Josh Goldberg. The site attracted publicity due to its recreation of the original game, as well as a random map generator and level creator. With publicity came the...
Hot footage, or does it leave you cold?
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games has launched today in Europe, continuing the hugely popular series starring the Nintendo and SEGA mascots. Unlike previous entries that appeared on the Wii and 3DS, this latest entry is only on the Wii U and is setup to utilise the system's various control...
News A Fresh Batch of Lovely Super Mario 3D World Screens is Ready
You want more, right?
It seems that, in the opinion of many, Nintendo's nailed a strong art-style and visual look for Super Mario 3D World, adopting the approach of 3DS predecessor Super Mario 3D Land while employing the more powerful hardware. Whenever new screens are released, we can't help but look. Nintendo has now unveiled even more screens,...
Video Check Out Captain Toad's Contribution To Super Mario 3D World
"Bring it on!"
Captain Toad — previously seen in Super Mario Galaxy — has a starring role in the forthcoming Super Mario 3D World. He takes part in exclusive levels where he has to traverse various obstacles in order to grab as many stars as possible. The unique thing about Captain Toad's challenges is that he can't jump. Another major...
News Nintendo UK Planning Major TV Campaign For Super Mario 3D World
Do not adjust your set
Much has been said about Nintendo’s marketing of the Wii U, or at least, lack of it. Our recent poll suggests that many of you don’t think Nintendo is doing enough to promote the Wii U. Nintendo UK, however, has announced plans to raise awareness for the upcoming Super Mario 3D World release. Speaking to MCV, Nintend
News Super Mario 3D World Director and Producer Discuss Content Choices
Cats, maps, and the absence of Yoshi
With the release of Super Mario 3D World creeping up on little cat feet, producer Yoshiaki Koizumi and director Kenta Motokura recently sat down with IGN to talk about some of the more noticeable inclusions and omissions in the game. The increasingly iconic Cat Suits were the natural first stop in questioning...
Video Watch Japanese Celebrity Aya Ueto Make Cat Noises In These Mario 3D World Commercials
Almost too cute
In Japan — just like any other part of the world — famous faces are often rolled out to promote various products or services. For Super Mario 3D World, NCL has selected Japanese singer, actress and all-round personality Aya Ueto to front its TV campaign for the game. She's a good choice; easy on the eye, relatively famous and...
Weirdness You Could Hang This Mini Lego Mario Question Block on Your Christmas Tree
We particularly like the Lego Atari 2600
The Holiday season is a festive, happy time, when many off us happily pile on the pounds and, presumably, play a lot of games. It's a time of backlog busting and, perhaps, silly family games — that Wii or, dare we say Wii U can provide the latter activity in particular. Some of us may also have a Christmas...
News Mamma Mia! The Mario & Luigi Wii U Bundle Is Sold Out At Target And GameStop
New set flies off shelves in lead up to the holiday season
With the recent influx of new Wii U bundles offering pack-in games such as The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD, Wii Party U, Just Dance 2014 and Skylanders SWAP Force, it’s clear Nintendo is offering a wide variety of options in order to entice potential customers this holiday season.
News Nintendo Goes Live With Full North American Site For Super Mario 3D World
The cat is out of the bag
Though naysayers have reprimanded Nintendo over its lack of a successful marketing campaign for Wii U, the company's brand new site for Super Mario 3D World shows no sign of the lackluster advertising claimed by many media outlets. The new website's handsome display features individual pages showcasing the game's story,...
News Academic Study Finds That Playing Games Can Increase Brain Matter
The desire to play could also have an effect
If you had to grow up with always listening to the admonishment that video games would “rot your brain,” you may find some satisfaction in more evidence pointing toward the contrary. A study conducted by Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Human Development and Charité University Medicine St...
Video Nintendo Gets Literal in TV Commercial for Super Mario 3D World
Cat outfit with over-sized paws + Wii Remote = many deaths
With Super Mario 3D World now less than a month away from release, it's surely time for Nintendo to crank up the hype machine. As a title aiming to incorporate a range of gamers, its unsurprising that Nintendo of America's recently released TV commercial focuses on the theme of playing the...
News Super Mario 3D World's Team Highlights the Values of Accessibility and Empathy
The cat costume is designed with beginners and veterans in mind
Much has been said about Super Mario 3D World and its approach in recent weeks; while we had a say in our preview and feature on the madness of the multiplayer, it'll be interesting to see how gamers of various backgrounds and proficiencies adapt to the title. It's clear
News Shigeru Miyamoto Plans to Step Away From Working Directly on Future Mario Titles
"There is little chance that I'd be able to take the time necessary"
While Shigeru Miyamoto is still very much at the forefront of Nintendo's game development, his role in recent years has increasingly evolved to that of a general producer, overseeing a number of projects while going "hands-on" with relatively few. His imprint is, however, all over...
News Super Mario Bros. 3 Is Leaping To The Wii U And 3DS Virtual Console Services Soon
The best NES entry is getting a new lease of life
Not since the movie The Wizard has Super Mario Bros. 3 been played on this many screens. It appears the game often touted as the greatest Super Mario of them all will be headed to the Wii U Virtual Console, as Nintendo’s main website has listed Super Mario Bros. 3 for its flagship system. An...
News Super Mario Galaxy Is Eurogamer's Game of the Generation
It's not a Golden Joystick, but it'll do
Over the past 10 days or so, our friends over at Eurogamer have been charting the best games of the past generation - a feat that's easier said than done. Naturally, we kept an eye on proceedings, looking out for any Nintendo titles that might crop up. We watched blockbuster after blockbuster take the...
October2013
Video Star Wars Meets Nintendo In This Stunning Animated Mash-Up
The Triforce is strong in this one
YouTube legend James Farr has already given us Super Mario Busters and New Super Mario Busters 2, but he's far from done with mashing up popular culture with Nintendo characters. His latest creation is Super Smash Wars: A Link To The
Video Here's Five Levels Of Super Mario 3D Multiplayer Mayhem For Your Delectation
Too cool for cats
Super Mario 3D World will be with us in time for Christmas and is sure to top the wish list of many a Wii U owner. We've been lucky enough to spend some quality time with the game and have put together this wacky multiplayer video which highlights five of the game's inventive and action-packed levels. Tom, Ant and Damo are the...
News Nintendo Confirms Live Orchestration in Super Mario 3D World
So our ears have not deceived us
We've been fortunate enough to spend some time, recently, with Super Mario 3D World, which we've rather enjoyed so far. In our preview last week we also said the following to reassure those with a taste for orchestral music in their Mario games, a practice that hit its peak in the Super Mario Galaxy games. There's...
Feature The Madness That Is Super Mario 3D World's Multiplayer Mode
One crown to rule them all
In this personal reminiscence, Martin Watts describes his experience of playing Super Mario 3D World in multiplayer, and how it exposes our greatest flaws of character... Last week, Features Editor Thomas Whitehead and I were invited along to Nintendo UK's offices for a bit of hands-on time with one of Nintendo's most...
News Parents Create Their Own Mario World in Child's Nursery
Hand-painted room gives off Paper-themed vibes
Mario has always been an appealingly safe bet for family gaming, and some families are excited to start on that gaming as soon as possible. The parents of Riley Craddock, who welcomed their child into the world on 19th October, have shared their newborn's beautiful, hand-painted nursery on Imgur. It...
News Shigeru Miyamoto Clarifies That Local Multiplayer is Still the Priority for Mario
"The answer to this question might change in ten years time"
Super Mario 3D World is shaping up as a title of significant potential, and certainly far more than a quick and easy HD upgrade on 3DS title Super Mario 3D Land. It may share branding and some common items with the portable title, but is also unique in its own ways and, unlike that 3DS...
Video Watch Our Friends At Eurogamer Argue Over Super Mario 3D World Power-Ups
Because you can never have too many Mario 3D World videos
We were recently able to go hands-on with Super Mario 3D World, and found the game to be a little bit special. As if to confirm this, earlier today we posted a video from Nintendo which shows just how downright fun the game is. Just in case you're still not convinced that this will be
Video Nintendo Shows Off Super Mario 3D World Stages and the Madness of Multiplayer
To troll or not to troll
Just recently we published our preview of Super Mario 3D World, and rather liked what we played. Our experiences so far give us optimism that it'll stack up in single and multiplayer; naturally the latter will be suitably chaotic but, potentially, a huge amount of fun. Nintendo of America's latest Nintendo Minute video...
A brave new world
Some things in life are unavoidable. Death, taxes, and disappointing Wii U sales in its first nine months of life. Nintendo has a plan for the rest of 2013, however, which is encouraging for its fans — we've had the enthusiast's favourite The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, and soon we'll have the return of styles and...
News Mario & Luigi Premium Wii U Bundle Confirmed For North American Release
Retail price of $299.99, available November 1st
Nintendo of America has confirmed that the Mario & Luigi Premium Pack which was recently confirmed for Europe is also getting a release state-side. The bundle — which comprises of a 32GB Wii U with New Super Mario U and New Super Luigi U on a single disc — launches November 1st and will retail...
News This Is How Much Space Super Mario 3D World Will Gobble Up On Your Wii U
Perhaps not as much as you'd expect
Super Mario 3D World is just around the corner, and we can reveal how much space the game will take up if you opt for the digital download route. The eagerly-awaited platforming epic clocks in at 1702MB, which isn't too bad when you consider that Sonic Lost World was a 8475MB download. How has Nintendo managed...
Video This Japanese Super Mario 3D World Trailer Is Six Minutes Of Pure Platforming Bliss
Update: An English language version has now surfaced
Update: There is now an English version of the trailer that features the phrase "cat's pyjamas". It can be found below the Japanese one. Enjoy! Original Article: The excitement level in the Nintendo Life office for Super Mario 3D World is reaching fever pitch, but this new Japanese trailer may...
Artwork These Isometric Super Mario Drawings Are Rather Impressive
It's the little details
The weekend is upon us, so it seems like as good a time as any to gaze upon some impressive Mario fan art, and these isometric collaborations certainly fit the bill. They're the work of more than a dozen like-minded artists that met on the Mario Fan Games Galaxy Forums, representing what seems to be the fruits of a fairly...
News Nintendo Wants To Close Down This Open-Source Web Version Of Super Mario Bros.
"Full Screen Mario" infringes copyrights, claims Nintendo
Full Screen Mario is a recreation of the original Super Mario Bros. which runs in your web browser. It has all of the original levels and even allows you to create your own stages. It's an impressive feat of programming by a single person — college student Josh Goldberg — but Nintendo is...
News Mario & Sonic At Sochi 2014 Winter Games Confirmed For November 8th Release In Europe
New modes detailed, too
Nintendo has today confirmed that Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games will launch in Europe on November 8th — the same as the North American release date that was previously revealed and then denied back in September. The game will feature 12 event based on real-life Winter Olympic sports, with another 8...
News Here Are More Gorgeous Super Mario 3D World Screens to Enjoy
Oh my giddy Aunt
After the first impressions from its E3 trailer could possibly be summarised as "looks nice, but it ain't Galaxy 3", Nintendo has recently upped the ante to show Nintendo fans that Super Mario 3D World can deliver an experience to be remembered. The proof will be in playing it, of course, but a fabulous new trailer and a series of
News Inafune: If You Haven't Played Mario, You're Probably Not Good At Designing Games
"Mario is, for game creators, the development bible"
Nintendo's Mario series is arguably one of the most influential in the realm of video gaming. Super Mario Bros. on the NES almost single-handedly turned the 2D platformer into the world's genre of choice, while the transition to 3D in Super Mario 64 achieved a similar impact and resulted in...
News If You Liked the Latest Super Mario 3D World Trailer, You'll Love the New Screens
Looks creative and fun enough to us
It's amazing how effective a well constructed trailer can be in either reversing opinion or, less drastically, just building additional hype for a major title. While the Super Mario 3D World E3 trailer was competent, fun and showed off the commercial sense driving Nintendo's Wii U development projects, we think...
September2013
The error was spotted in Hiroshi Yamauchi's obituary
Writers and journalists, no matter the prestige of their publication, make mistakes. Facts are incorrect or the wording may be wrong, and corrections are made. The New York Times, in an admirable sense of perspective and maintaining standards, has corrected an error from an article published 25...
News Well, Here's an Awesome Tanooki Mario Statue
Yours for just $199 US Dollars
We do like Nintendo memorabilia here at Nintendo Life, as anyone that follows our Instagram account can see. So when First 4 Figures announces a planned range of Super Mario statues that are officially licensed by Nintendo, you can bet we're interested. The first in this new range is set to be a beauty, too. It's a...
Weirdness Watch Nearly 1000 Mario Players All At Once
Super Mario Boy
For those that have played Super Meat Boy, which unfortunately never made it to a Nintendo system, a highlight can be the replay that follows every completed level — all of your attempts are shown at once. If you can imagine that with a Super Mario Bros. level, but with 974 players on display, then you can imagine what's coming...
News The Harp Twins Strike Again With A Whimsical Mario Medley
The harp-playing duo are in another castle
Long-time fans of Nintendo Life will no doubt recall Camille and Kennerly — better known on YouTube as The Harp Twins — and their spine-tingling rendition of Ballad of the Goddess from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The girls were kind enough to speak
Review Super Mario Bros. (Wii U eShop / NES)
Forever running to the right
Mario. Say it loud and there's music playing. Say it soft, and it's almost like praying. Super Mario Bros. was, is, and will always be one of gaming's great masterpieces, and its availability on any additional format is a good thing. It's come to the Wii and 3DS Virtual Consoles before, and now jumps onto the Wii U...
August2013
News The Voice Of Mario Is Coming To London On September 7th
Charles Martinet to attend Mario event at John Lewis, Oxford Street
Charles Martinet — who has given Mario his voice since 1995 — will attend a special Mario-themed event at the Oxford Street branch of John Lewis on September 7th. The event — which takes place from 9.30am to 8pm on Saturday 7th September and 12.30pm to 6pm on Sunday 8th...
Weirdness Mann Writes Mario Opera
A plumber's lament
Many people would probably be happy in the sole knowledge that they wrote a Mario-themed opera for their grad school thesis, but it wasn’t quite enough for musician Jonathan Mann. He wanted to bring it to the stage, and made his dream come true with a show in New York City. Along with Princess Peach, Bowser, a Toad chorus and...
Video This Piano Medley of Zelda, Kingdom Hearts, Pokémon and Mario Soothes the Soul
Because game music and pianos are cool
The idea of someone filming themselves playing video game music on an old — and rather out-of-tune — piano may not be overly-exciting on paper, but it's oddly wonderful. We post various videos of game music, animation and live-action fan creations, and the latest to catch our attention has a rather...
News New Super Mario Bros. 2 Coin Total Passes One Trillion
Golly gosh
When it comes to New Super Mario Bros. 2 it really is all about the money (money, money). Mario and Luigi collect a ridiculous number of coins, so much so that the game keeps a tally of your total and adds it to a worldwide pot; the last time we reported on it 300 billion coins had been snagged. Those kind of numbers are so 2012, however,...
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