- Hello, Mario! represents Nintendo's latest venture into the Mario lifestyle ecosystem.
- It is part of the new My Mario product line.
- Poke, prod, and pinch Mario's face, similar to the Nintendo 64 version, to elicit various reactions.
Those who grew up with it (and those who played the DS port) will recall Super Mario 64. It was a groundbreaking shift in platformers, undoubtedly. But what truly defined it? The ability to tug, prod, and stretch Mario's newly polygonated face! That childlike joy is something Nintendo aims to recreate with the new app, Hello, Mario!
Well, perhaps not to such an extreme degree. However, Hello, Mario! is an upcoming app designed to capture some of that interactive fun. Targeted at children and parents, it encourages kids to experiment with various inputs focused on Mario's face, revealing a wide range of reactions.
It is part of Nintendo's massive new initiative called 'My Mario', which reinforces the middle-aged Italian plumber's enduring popularity among children globally. The new Mario-themed product line includes not only this app but also building blocks, board books, and other accessories, with Hello, Mario! launching on iOS, Android, and Switch.
It's-a Me!
After avoiding mobile for so long, any sign of Nintendo embracing our humble platform (with a touch of sarcasm) is noteworthy. Moreover, it signals Nintendo's shift toward an unusual pseudo-lifestyle brand approach. After all, for many of us, discovering Mario as children happened through gaming, not picture books.
Nevertheless, it demonstrates that mobile is not the sole platform, especially since it stands toe-to-toe with the Switch in receiving this new app. Who knows? We might see other crossover launches soon.
With the product line (including Hello, Mario!) launching on August 26th, we won't have to wait long to see.
Meanwhile, to explore potential competition for Nintendo in its signature genre, check out our list of the best platformers on Android to discover available options.
