Nintendo is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its iconic game, "Super Mario Bros.," with a wave of new announcements, including significant reveals during a recent Nintendo Direct presentation. The milestone, officially marked on September 13, 2025, is being honored with both new releases and tributes to the franchise's rich history, capping off what is likely Nintendo's final major release showcase for the year.

The presentation, held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM Norwegian time, offered over an hour of news and release dates from Nintendo and its partners. The timing is particularly significant, falling just before the 40th anniversary of "Super Mario Bros.," and the event did not disappoint, delivering updates on future Mario titles, the launch date for "Hades 2," new game announcements, and numerous surprises that delighted fans.

Key Context

The 40th anniversary of "Super Mario Bros." is a major cultural event for Nintendo and the gaming world.
The recent Nintendo Direct presentation served as a platform for significant upcoming game and movie announcements.
Announcements include new titles, re-releases, and a sequel to the successful animated film.

These announcements will significantly impact Nintendo's upcoming financial quarter and solidify its presence in the gaming market, particularly with the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Fans are set to benefit from a wealth of new and re-released content across multiple platforms.

Timeline

Background: "Super Mario Bros." released in Japan on September 13, 1985, revolutionizing the platformer genre and establishing Mario as a global icon.
Recent Developments: Nintendo Direct presentation on September 12, 2025, revealed numerous game and movie updates, including "Super Mario Galaxy 1+2" for Switch, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," and "Hades 2" launch date.
Upcoming: "Hades II" launches September 25, 2025. "Super Mario Galaxy 1+2" releases October 2, 2025. "Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment" arrives November 6, 2025. "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" is set for December 4, 2025. "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" premieres April 3, 2026. New "Fire Emblem" and "Pokémon Pokopia" titles are slated for 2026.

Different Perspectives

Nintendo: Leveraging the Mario anniversary to drive sales and excitement for both current and next-generation hardware.
Fans: Eager anticipation for new content, especially the "Galaxy" re-releases and the "Metroid Prime 4" launch. Nostalgia plays a significant role in the excitement for anniversary-related content.
Industry Analysts: Observing Nintendo's strategy in balancing legacy franchises with new intellectual property and the transition to the Switch 2.

What You Need to Know

"Super Mario Bros." turns 40.
"Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2" are coming to Switch on October 2, 2025.
"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" sequel will be released on April 3, 2026.
"Hades II" gets a release date of September 25, 2025.
"Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" launches December 4, 2025, featuring a new motorcycle mechanic.

While this is a global celebration for Nintendo fans, the focus on re-releases like "Super Mario Galaxy" for the Switch and Switch 2 highlights Nintendo's strategy to bridge its current and future console user bases. The simultaneous release of physical and digital versions caters to different market preferences worldwide.

Why This Matters

The 40th anniversary of "Super Mario Bros." is a testament to the enduring legacy and cultural impact of one of gaming's most beloved franchises.
Nintendo's consistent output of high-quality content across its major IPs demonstrates its strong market position and ability to innovate.
The announcements provide a clear roadmap for Nintendo's upcoming software lineup, generating significant buzz for the holiday season and beyond, including the anticipated Switch 2.

What to Watch

Sales figures for the "Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2" re-release.
Early reception and sales of "Hades II" on console.
Public reaction to "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" and its new mechanics.
Anticipation and early details surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo's strategic use of its 40th-anniversary celebration for "Super Mario Bros." underscores its mastery of brand management and fan engagement. By announcing a blend of nostalgic re-releases, new installments, and cross-media projects like the animated film, the company is effectively catering to a diverse audience while simultaneously building anticipation for its next-generation hardware. The success of titles like "Hades II" and the continued development of major franchises like "Metroid" and "Fire Emblem" signal a robust pipeline that promises to keep Nintendo at the forefront of the gaming industry.