New "Hello, Mario!" app lands on Japanese eShop

Nintendo has quietly launched a new interactive experience titled Hello, Mario! on the Japanese eShop, available as a free download for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Designed specifically for young children and their parents, the app blends playful interaction with educational elements, offering a lighthearted way to engage with Mario outside of traditional platforming gameplay. While it’s currently exclusive to Japan, the app has already sparked curiosity among international fans, many of whom are wondering whether a global release might follow.

Upon launching Hello, Mario!, users are greeted with a cheerful message encouraging children to “play together with an adult.” Mario’s iconic face then appears on screen, inviting players to touch, drag, and rotate it in various ways. Each interaction triggers a unique reaction, ranging from silly expressions to surprise animations, making the experience feel like a digital toy rather than a conventional game. A question-mark block in the corner of the screen opens access to additional items and objects, including familiar power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Star, as well as pipes and classic enemies.

The app is fully playable offline and optimized for handheld mode, requiring only 156 MB on Switch and 166 MB on Switch 2. It also includes a built-in “sleep mode” feature: after a period of inactivity, Mario dozes off, gently signaling to children that it’s time to take a break. This function can be disabled through a hidden input sequence, allowing parents to tailor the experience to their child’s routine. The app’s intuitive design and minimal text make it accessible even to preschool-aged users, while still offering enough charm to entertain older siblings and nostalgic adults.

Is Hello, Mario! part of a broader initiative by Nintendo to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros? We don't know yet, but it could come with more family oriented products in the coming months. Though no localization has been announced, the app’s simplicity and universal appeal suggest it could easily cross borders. For now, those outside Japan will need a Japanese Nintendo account to access the download, but the buzz surrounding its release hints that this charming experiment may soon find a global audience.