You'll Get to Play Super Mario Run this December (but Not on Android)

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 17 Nov 2016

Super Mario Run, the mobile game that was unveiled at Apple’s iPhone 7 event in September, has an official release date. The action platformer will be rolled out to the public on December 15 in 151 countries and regions.

But only for iOS, not Android. Don’t worry, Super Mario Run isn’t an iOS exclusive, as some have erroneously claimed. Nintendo will get around to making the game available for Android… at some point.

"The wait is almost over for a Super Mario game that can be played on mobile devices," said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Developed under the direction of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, Super Mario Run brings a new take on the series’ beloved action-platforming gameplay to iPhone and iPad for the first time."

Play with just one hand

“We have created Super Mario Run to be perfect for playing on your iPhone,” said Mr. Miyamoto, who first devised the Mario character more than 35 years ago. “Super Mario has evolved whenever he has encountered a new platform, and for the first time ever, players will be able to enjoy a full-fledged Super Mario game with just one hand, giving them the freedom to play while riding the subway or my favorite, eating a hamburger.”

Super Mario Run is a side-scrolling, auto-runner platformer video game where Mario constantly runs forward. What you have to do is tap the screen to get Mario to jump over obstacles and enemies. Tap once to jump, tap & hold to jump higher.

This is part of World Tour, one of 3 modes the game has to offer. Run through plains, caves, castles, and other locations; collect as many coins as you want; make sure to avoid those pesky obstacles and enemies; get to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches.

Three game modes are available

As mentioned above, Super Mario Run has 3 modes to offer:
  • World Tour – run, jump, get to Bowser and rescue Princess Peach.
  • Kingdom Builder – create your unique Mushroom Kingdom with buildings and decorations that you purchase with coins.
  • Toad Rally – compete against and challenge "ghost" versions of people from all over the world (similar to the time attack modes in Mario Kart).


Super Mario Run isn’t free

According to Nintendo, you can "try elements of the game’s three modes for free." But if you want full access to World Tour, Kingdom Builder, and Toad Rally, you’ll have to pay.

The price is $9.99 to get full, unlimited access to the game’s three modes. This is a one-time fee, meaning you will not be required to make additional payments afterwards.

Super Marios Run is Nintendo’s second app, first mobile game

Nintendo made its foray into the smartphone apps world in March, when it released its very first mobile app, Miitomo.



While Miitomo is Nintendo’s first mobile app, Super Mario Run is the company’s first mobile game. And since this is Nintendo we’re talking about, the game’s protagonist is none other than the most iconic video game hero of all time.

"The App Store has made so many things better in our lives — the way we communicate, the way we work and the way we have fun," said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. "But for gamers of all ages, the story just hasn’t been complete without Mario, so we are thrilled that Nintendo is bringing him to iOS for the first time this December."

Super Mario Run needs iOS 8.0 or later

To play Super Mario Run, you’ll need an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch that runs iOS 8.0 or later.


In related news…

Earlier this month, Nintendo released the NES Classic Edition, a $59.99 mini-console that comes with 30 classic NES games.

Come March 2017, Nintendo will roll out the Switch, a hybrid handheld console that works as a stationary and as a mobile gaming system.

“Nintendo Switch allows gamers the freedom to play however they like,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, President and COO, Nintendo of America. “It gives game developers new abilities to bring their creative visions to life by opening up the concept of gaming without boundaries.”



Word on the web has it that the Switch will be priced at around $250.



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