Switch 2: Super Mario turns 40 – fans hope for something big
If you grew up with Super Mario, this might make you feel a little old: everyone’s favorite plumber is about to hit a major milestone. While the Italian icon first appeared in 1981’s Donkey Kong – back then still known as Jumpman – his first solo adventure, Super Mario Bros., launched on the NES in Japan on September 13, 1985. That means Mario turns 40 in just a few weeks. But there’s something that might soften the blow of this gaming midlife crisis – the hope for some special Nintendo surprises tied to the occasion.
Nintendo marked Mario’s 35th anniversary in 2020 with a special Direct, which now fuels hopes for another dedicated presentation. The first hints have already surfaced on Reddit. A current German thread focuses on a logo tied to the 40th anniversary that reportedly appeared in the Nintendo eShop before vanishing shortly after. Some believe Nintendo may have accidentally leaked it, while others remain skeptical – pointing out that the logo looks blurry, inconsistent in design and possibly cobbled together from existing assets.
If Nintendo really is planning a special Direct for Super Mario’s birthday this year, fans could be in for some exciting announcements. Five years ago, the company didn’t hold back. The 15-minute presentation included highlights like Super Mario 3D All-Stars and the debut of Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, an AR racing game that brought Mario into living rooms – still available on Amazon for around $170.
Super Mario Maker 3 – or a fresh new direction?
Although Nintendo hasn’t confirmed a 40th Anniversary Direct yet, speculation about possible announcements is already running wild. Fans are buzzing about the potential for Super Mario Maker 3, a new 3D All-Stars collection, or even a brand-new 3D Mario game. The upcoming Super Mario movie might also play a part. Of course, Nintendo could always surprise us with something completely unexpected. If a special Direct is in the works, we’ll likely hear about it soon – after all, the 35th anniversary presentation aired on September 3, not on Mario’s actual birthday.
