Nintendo Reveals Star-Studded Lineup for Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary

Nintendo recently delighted fans with a comprehensive showcase of upcoming releases and events, all in honor of Super Mario Bros.' monumental 40th anniversary. From cinematic adventures to remastered gaming experiences and unique celebratory activities, the beloved franchise is set to captivate audiences worldwide. Although a completely new 3D Mario game was not among the announcements, the breadth and depth of the revealed content guarantee an exciting period for Mario enthusiasts.

Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary: A Detailed Look at Nintendo's Grand Celebrations

The recent Nintendo Direct presentation, a highly anticipated event for gamers, was largely dedicated to commemorating Super Mario Bros.' four-decade milestone, which officially occurs on September 13, 2025. Nintendo's visionary, Shigeru Miyamoto, personally kicked off the festivities, highlighting a range of initiatives that blend nostalgia with new experiences.

The iconic Super Mario character will be honored through various exciting ventures. One of the biggest reveals was the first glimpse of the upcoming film sequel, titled \"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.\" This cinematic follow-up will feature a returning cast, including Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, promising another star-studded adventure on the big screen.

Gaming enthusiasts will rejoice at the news of \"Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2\" making their way to the Nintendo Switch on October 2, 2025. These beloved titles will be available individually via the eShop or as a bundled package, both digitally and physically. A significant highlight is the promise of free enhancements for Switch 2 users, offering stunning 4K resolution in docked mode and 1080p in handheld mode. Complementing these re-releases, a new set of Super Mario Galaxy amiibo figures, featuring 'Mario and Luma' and 'Rosalina,' will launch on April 2, 2026. While their in-game functionalities remain a mystery, their intricate designs are sure to appeal to collectors.

For those who appreciate the lore and artistry of the franchise, a physical edition of the Super Mario Galaxy Storybook will be released. However, it's worth noting that any new pages introduced in the digital games will not be included in the physical version.

Looking ahead, Nintendo also announced \"Mario Tennis Fever,\" the latest installment in the popular sports series, set to debut on the Switch 2 on February 12, 2026. This new title will introduce \"Fever Rackets,\" allowing players to unleash special shots, such as the \"Mini Mushroom Racket\" to shrink opponents, adding a fresh dynamic to the gameplay.

Furthermore, \"Super Mario Wonder\" will receive a special Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, featuring exclusive multiplayer content titled \"Meetup in Bellabel Park.\" This edition will include both player-versus-player and player-versus-environment elements, offering new ways to enjoy the critically acclaimed 2D platformer. A physical \"Talking Flower\" product, inspired by the game, will also be available, uttering lines from the game for fans to enjoy.

Finally, a brand-new adventure starring Mario's faithful dinosaur companion, \"Yoshi and the Mysterious Book,\" is slated for release on the Switch 2 in Spring 2026. This side-scrolling title promises a traditional Yoshi experience for long-time fans.

Beyond games and movies, the celebrations extend to real-world events. The Nintendo Museum in Japan will host special 40th-anniversary themed tickets until September 2026 and a unique light display starting in December 2025. In an unexpected move, Nintendo will also be sponsoring the Kyoto Marathon 2026, with Mario himself cheering on participants, who will wear custom race bibs adorned with Nintendo's logo.

This extensive lineup of announcements showcases Nintendo's commitment to celebrating Super Mario's enduring legacy while offering both nostalgic favorites and innovative new experiences to a global audience.

The comprehensive array of announcements for Super Mario's 40th anniversary highlights Nintendo's strategic approach to leveraging both its rich heritage and future innovations. The decision to remaster beloved titles like Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 for the new Switch 2, complete with enhanced visuals, skillfully caters to a loyal fanbase eager for nostalgic experiences on modern hardware. This also serves as a clever way to entice new players to explore classic adventures. While some might have hoped for a groundbreaking new 3D Mario game, the reveal of \"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie\" and new entries in companion series like \"Mario Tennis Fever\" and \"Yoshi and the Mysterious Book\" demonstrates a diversified strategy. This multi-platform, multi-media approach ensures that Mario remains a vibrant and relevant figure across gaming, film, and cultural events, effectively solidifying his status as a timeless icon for generations to come. The blend of real-world engagements, such as the Kyoto Marathon sponsorship, further extends the brand's reach beyond traditional gaming, fostering a broader sense of community and celebration around the character.