Nintendo has recently filed new trademark renewals for three of its most beloved and recognizable franchises: Earthbound, Super Mario Galaxy, and Astral Chain. While the company frequently refreshes its intellectual property rights as part of routine business, such moves often spark speculation among fans about potential re-releases, remasters, or entirely new entries in these series. The filings were spotted by keen-eyed observers and quickly ignited discussions across gaming communities about what the future might hold for these iconic titles.
Earthbound, known as Mother 2 in Japan, holds a cult status among RPG enthusiasts for its quirky humor, heartfelt storytelling, and unconventional setting. The possibility of a renewed focus on the franchise has long been a dream for fans, especially given its limited availability outside Japan. A trademark refresh could hint at a digital re-release, perhaps on Nintendo Switch Online or its successor platform, giving a new generation the chance to experience the game’s offbeat charm.
Super Mario Galaxy, originally released for the Wii in 2007, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and critically acclaimed entries in the Super Mario series. Its gravity-defying platforming and imaginative level design set a high bar for 3D platformers. With the Switch era already seeing a remastered version of the game in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, fans are wondering if this trademark activity could signal a standalone re-release, enhanced edition, or even a VR adaptation to take advantage of modern hardware capabilities.
The most recent of the trio, Astral Chain, debuted on the Nintendo Switch in 2019 and quickly gained a following for its stylish combat, futuristic setting, and unique dual-character gameplay. Developed by PlatinumGames, the title’s success left many anticipating a sequel. A trademark renewal could be a simple legal safeguard, but it also leaves the door open for a potential follow-up or expanded port to future Nintendo consoles.
Nintendo has not made any official announcements regarding new projects tied to these trademarks, leaving the gaming world to speculate. While such filings can often be routine, history has shown that they sometimes precede major reveals. These renewals can be merely protective measures or the first hints of exciting developments, but the move underscores Nintendo’s continued commitment to preserving and potentially expanding its most treasured franchises.
