The 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. was one of Nintendo’s most ambitious celebrations, running from September 3, 2020, to March 31, 2021. Marking 35 years since the original game’s release in 1985, Nintendo honored its iconic plumber with a mix of new games, remasters, special hardware, in game events, and exclusive merchandise. The festivities kicked off with a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation that unveiled a wave of announcements designed to appeal to both nostalgic fans and newcomers.
One of the headline releases was Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a compilation for Nintendo Switch that brought together Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy in updated form. This collection was made available only for a limited time, both physically and digitally, creating a sense of urgency among fans. Alongside it came Super Mario Bros. 35, a unique online battle royale twist on the original Super Mario Bros., where 35 players competed simultaneously, sending defeated enemies into each other’s courses until one player remained. Like the compilation, it was also a time limited release, disappearing from the eShop at the end of the anniversary period.
Nintendo also launched Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, an enhanced version of the Wii U title with an entirely new open-world style adventure. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit brought the Mushroom Kingdom into players’ living rooms through augmented reality, combining physical RC karts with digital tracks on the Switch. A retro inspired Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. handheld was released, featuring the original game, Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, a Mario-themed clock, and hidden extras.
The celebration extended into other Nintendo titles through themed events. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate hosted a Mario tournament, Splatoon 2 ran a Super Mushroom vs. Super Star Splatfest, and Tetris 99 featured a Super Mario All-Stars Maximus Cup. Super Mario Maker 2 received a special Ninji Speedrun course, while Animal Crossing: New Horizons added Mario-themed furniture and warp pipes. Even Mario Kart Tour joined in with a Super Mario Kart event, adding classic characters and karts.
Beyond games, Nintendo partnered with LEGO for interactive LEGO Super Mario sets, released anniversary-themed clothing and collectibles, and introduced the Nintendo Switch Mario Red & Blue Edition. The anniversary also tied into promotions for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios and the then-upcoming Super Mario Bros. animated movie.
By the time the celebration ended on March 31, 2021, many of its limited time offerings had vanished, leaving behind a mix of fond memories and some frustration over their scarcity. Still, the 35th anniversary stood out as a vibrant, multi faceted tribute to one of gaming’s most enduring icons, with nostalgia and inventive new experiences that reminded us why Mario remains at the heart of Nintendo’s legacy.
