Kyoto, Japan – The Nintendo Direct presentation on September 12, 2025, kicked off with a vibrant celebration of the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., delighting fans with announcements of a new animated film, beloved classic game re-releases, and fresh Mario universe titles. However, the excitement was tempered by a recurring theme: fan displeasure over certain pricing decisions for game bundles and amiibo figures. This presents an interesting challenge for Nintendo, balancing nostalgia and innovation with consumer value.
“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” Set for Spring 2026
A major highlight that sparked considerable enthusiasm among Mario fans was the official title announcement for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. This news corrected earlier rumors that had suggested “Super Mario World” as the title. The animated film is officially slated for a worldwide release on April 3, 2026. Following the monumental success of the first Mario movie, which grossed over $1 billion globally, it is evident that anticipation for this sequel is sky-high. As Eurogamer observed, the internet was “leaning in for careful scrutiny” of the first trailer. As a curious observer, I am personally “excited for the Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” looking forward to seeing how it expands the beloved universe.
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Re-release Ignites Pricing Debate
Nintendo announced the re-release of two critically acclaimed titles, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2, as a double pack for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, launching October 2. These beloved games will receive welcome improvements, including an enhanced UI, options for both button/stick and motion controls, an in-game music player, and new Storybook content. Moreover, a free update will add 4K resolution support for Switch 2, a notable technical enhancement.
However, despite these updates, the announcement of the bundle’s pricing—$70 for the package or $40 for individual digital games—was met with significant fan backlash. Many users were “not pleased with the cost.” I think that they’re releasing “another Galaxy Bundle” so soon after previous re-releases highlights a persistent consumer concern about the value of older titles, especially given their age and previous availability.
Amiibo Figures Spark Displeasure Over High Prices
Further contributing to the pricing controversies, two new Kirby Air Riders amiibo figures, Kirby & Warp Star and Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star, were announced to launch on November 20, coinciding with the game’s release. Priced at a steep $50 per single figure, these were immediately highlighted as “by far the most expensive figures we’ve seen thus far,” leading to considerable fan displeasure. This evidently raises questions about Nintendo’s pricing strategy for collectible items and its impact on consumer accessibility.
In addition to the Kirby amiibo, two new Mario-themed amiibo figures—Mario & Luma (which grants a Life Mushroom in-game) and Rosalina & Lumas (granting a 1-Up Mushroom)—were also announced for April 2, 2026. These figures were noted to be larger than standard size. An illustrated hardcover edition of Rosalina’s Storybook is also slated for release on the My Nintendo Store, catering to collectors and lore enthusiasts.
New Gaming Adventures in the Mario Universe
The Direct also revealed a host of new gaming experiences set within the vibrant Mario universe, showcasing Nintendo’s continuous effort to expand its flagship franchise.
Mario Tennis Fever Introduces “Fever Rackets” and a Quirky Story Mode
Mario Tennis Fever, an exciting new entry for the Nintendo Switch 2, is set to launch on February 12, 2026. This game will introduce 30 distinct “Fever Rackets” with unique abilities, adding an interesting new mechanic to the classic tennis gameplay. It will also feature a series-high 38 playable characters. From my perspective, the “Fever rackets are an interesting mechanic,” suggesting fresh strategic possibilities for players. However, the game’s “Adventure” mode, which sees Mario and friends transformed into babies who must defeat monsters to return to normal, was described by me as looking “weird,” raising questions about its narrative direction. The game will support Joy-Con 2 motion controls, providing an immersive gameplay option.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book: A Visually Unique, Enigmatic Adventure
Another new title, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, is slated for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Spring 2026. This adventure will follow Yoshi and his friends as they encounter a talking book named Mr. E, containing information about unusual creatures. My initial reaction is that “the art style is really interesting,” suggesting a fresh visual direction for the Yoshi series. However, I also admitted to not entirely understanding the game’s core concept, implying that more details might be needed to fully grasp its unique gameplay and narrative.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Enhances Cooperative Play and Adds “Talking Flowers”
Finally, Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is set for a Spring 2026 release. This enhanced version for Switch 2 will introduce new content, graphical enhancements, and interactive attractions within the “Bellabel Park plaza,” specifically designed for cooperative or competitive play with friends and family. This could mean engaging new minigames or social hubs within the Mario universe. A truly unique and perhaps quirky interactive element includes “Talking Flowers” from Super Mario Bros. Wonder, which are planned to “bloom” in spring 2026, offering conversational features and autonomous speech, promising an interesting and novel accessory experience.
Nintendo’s 40th-anniversary celebration of Super Mario Bros. delivered both highly anticipated content, such as the Super Mario Galaxy Movie and new game entries, and brought to light ongoing consumer discussions about pricing strategies for re-releases and collectible amiibo. It’s clear that while the legacy of Mario continues to drive innovation and excitement, Nintendo is navigating the complex terrain of balancing fan expectations with market realities. Moving forward, the balance between fresh content and accessible pricing will be key.
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