Rather than launching more mobile games, Nintendo has recently focused its smartphone efforts on services like Nintendo Today or its Music app. Now Nintendo’s next release is a step toward something more game-like, but it’s not a traditional Mario title.
As PCMag reports, the new release will be called “Hello, Mario!,” and it’s designed to be a nostalgic journey for parents who owned a Nintendo 64. The app is coming to Android, iOS, and all Nintendo Switch consoles. The game shows a big Mario face, similar to the start menu of Super Mario 64 where you could tug, poke, and interact with the title character.
This new game lets you do the same, but this time with a touch screen. An example given by Nintendo shows a child pulling Mario’s mustache, and he’ll react with a shocked face, while watching where your finger goes on the screen. Other playful examples show a child spinning him around in a circle, feeding him mushrooms, and playing basic mini-games.
The announcement reads, “Mario will react in various ways based on the player’s input, allowing parents and young children to play together and enjoy each reaction they see.”
This looks like a way for Nintendo to get its iconic characters in front of children who are used to playing on iPads and tablets rather than its game consoles. It’s also designed for children who may struggle to play more complicated Switch titles.
Hello, Mario! launches on August 26 and will be free to download. You’ll need either Android 6 or later, or iOS 15 to play on your phone or tablet. It’ll also work on all Switch products, including the original console and the Switch Lite.
Alongside the new app, Nintendo revealed new Mario toys, including two wooden block sets featuring characters like Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi. They’re designed for young children, but they also double as Amiibo figurines to pair with Switch games.
The brand also announced a new children’s board book with Mario’s face in a similar design to the new app. Nintendo also revealed a new series of stop-motion video shorts designed for kids. They’re launching on Nintendo’s website soon.
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