Nintendo’s Hello, Mario! App Brings Classic Characters to Touchscreens, Launches Aug 26
Nintendo, renowned for its mobile gaming offerings, has recently shifted focus towards service-oriented apps like Nintendo Today and its Music app. The company’s latest venture marks a departure from traditional games, offering an interactive experience that harkens back to the beloved Super Mario 64 era.
Dubbed “Hello, Mario!”, this innovative app aims to deliver a nostalgic journey for parents who once owned a Nintendo 64 console. The application will be available on Android, iOS, and all Nintendo Switch devices.
The game features an enlarged Mario image reminiscent of the Super Mario 64 start menu, allowing players to engage with the title character in various ways. In this digital iteration, users can interact via a touch screen rather than traditional controller inputs.
For instance, a child can pull Mario’s mustache, eliciting a surprised reaction from the iconic character while tracking their finger movements on the screen. Other examples showcase children spinning him around, feeding him mushrooms, and participating in basic mini-games.
According to Nintendo’s announcement, “Mario will react in various ways based on the player’s input, fostering collaboration and enjoyment between parents and young children.”
By introducing Hello, Mario! on August 26 as a free download, Nintendo seems to be expanding its reach to a new generation of gamers accustomed to playing on tablets and smartphones. The game also caters to younger audiences who might find more complex Switch titles challenging.
In addition to the new app, Nintendo unveiled several Mario-themed toys. Two wooden block sets featuring characters like Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi are designed for young children but can also function as Amiibo figurines compatible with various Switch games.
The brand also announced a new children’s board book featuring Mario’s likeness in a design similar to the app. Nintendo has also planned a series of stop-motion video shorts targeted at kids, which will be available on its website soon.
