The ‘Main Event’ of the Super Mario 40th Anniversary Being a Movie is an Absolute Travesty

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The most recent Nintendo Direct presentation lasted for over an hour, making it the longest in the company’s history, and was filled with exciting content. Gamers were thrilled by the reveal of a new Fire Emblem game that reflects the grandeur of Three Houses, a unique Pokemon spin-off that caters to Nintendo enthusiasts’ craving for a comfortable, farm-life experience reminiscent of Stardew Valley, and two fresh expansions for Donkey Kong: Bananza. The Nintendo Direct was intended to captivate, and it succeeded in many aspects. However, the absence of any Super Mario announcement feels like a missed opportunity in what should have been an entirely festive event.

For nearly four decades, Nintendo’s platform gaming has been exceptional, influential in culture, and pioneering in franchise development. Mario, the plumber, is their most renowned character, widely recognized across entertainment. However, not every Nintendo Direct announcement features Mario. But today, we commemorate a significant milestone: it’s 40 years since the release of “Super Mario”. The celebration, though, has an interesting twist: instead of a groundbreaking game or exciting adventure, it’s a movie that takes center stage to mark his anniversary.

A Look at the Announcements On The Eve of Super Mario’s 40th Anniversary

It’s important to clarify that Nintendo did not completely ignore Mario, the iconic mustached character. In fact, during the Nintendo Direct presentation, they acknowledged the anniversary of the Super Mario series and supported the celebration with various announcements related to the franchise.

  • The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Illumination and Nintendo officially unveiled the sequel to 2023’s blockbuster Super Mario Bros. Movie, this time with a cosmic twist. The first teaser for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie promises an intergalactic journey inspired by Super Mario Galaxy.
  • Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Switch 2 – After years of fan longing, the beloved Wii titles are finally making their way to Nintendo Switch in a definitive manner not tied to Super Mario 3D All-Stars. The games arrive on Switch 2 on October 2.
  • Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Switch 2 Edition – A next-generation version of 2023’s Game of the Year-nominated platformer will launch in Spring 2026.
  • Mario Tennis Fever – The iconic sports series returns, this time featuring a story mode that unites the Baby Mario characters with tennis skills.

Each announcement on its own is thrilling. The long-awaited Switch release of “Galaxy 2” is a testament to the preservation of Nintendo games. The Switch 2 edition of “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” prolongs one of the most innovative 2D Mario titles in recent years, offering additional content as an added bonus. Even “Mario Tennis Fever” has the potential to breathe new life into a sub-series that’s been struggling to regain its former glory. However, collectively, these announcements point towards a larger concern: Mario’s 40th anniversary seems to lack a standout moment amidst other significant Direct announcements.

The Super Mario Anniversary Has No Centerpiece

Anniversaries serve not just as moments to reminisce about the past, but as chances to shape the future. However, Mario’s 40th anniversary seems surprisingly traditional. While remastered games, ported titles, and a new film can enhance value, they don’t embody the essence of renewal that has sustained Mario’s relevance for four decades.

As a dedicated Nintendo fan and Mario enthusiast, I’ve always been in awe of how each generation presents its groundbreaking Mario moment – from Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, to Super Mario Odyssey. In celebration of their 40th anniversary, I was eagerly anticipating the next innovative leap in 3D Mario gaming for the rumored Switch 2. Whether it would be a fresh creative endeavor that continued the series’ legacy of innovation or a sequel to the captivating Super Mario Odyssey, the potential was palpable and tantalizing. However, instead of showcasing a new 3D Mario title, the anniversary limelight seems to have been shifted towards a movie sequel.

Why The Announcement for the Super Mario Bros. Movie Sequel Doesn’t Cut It

Gaming vs. Cinema

Without a doubt, the success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” cannot be overlooked. The movie marked a significant milestone for Mario, captivating a new wave of younger audiences, and given the Easter Egg hinting at sequels in its end credits, it was only a matter of time before a follow-up emerged. While it certainly adds to Mario’s growing legacy, at this point, it serves as an unassuming highlight for the gaming anniversary celebrations.

Mario isn’t just a movie figure who occasionally delves into games; he’s an iconic video game character who revolutionized the medium. His anniversaries ought to reflect this significance. If the main event for Mario’s 40th anniversary is a cinematic project instead of a pioneering game, it indicates a shift from the essence that initially made him important.

The Travesty of Playing It Safe

These announcements during the Nintendo Direct focused on Mario didn’t turn out to be poor in quality at all. Quite the contrary, they demonstrated a careful blend of preserving old games, making them more accessible, and introducing new experiences. Essentially, fans will have opportunities to replay classic titles, try fresh gameplay options, and witness Mario embark on space adventures as he returns to movies once again.

However, Nintendo’s celebration doesn’t live up to expectations.” When discussing what was missing from the anniversary, you could say, “But Super Mario deserved something more. A brand-new game, a daring creative breakthrough, or even a sneak peek at the future of Mario games would have turned his 40th into a genuine celebration.” Finally, you could express the fans’ sentiment by saying, “Fans are left puzzled as to why Nintendo is celebrating this anniversary of one of their most influential characters in such a reserved manner.

Reaching 40 years in the gaming world is a significant achievement for Mario. Though The Direct offered plenty to look forward to, the choice to commemorate this occasion through a movie instead of an event seems like a missed chance – a real shame for the character who constructed Nintendo’s house of fun and happiness.

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2025-09-13 01:14