Nintendo Shut Down Mario 35 To Retain Its Special Status as an Anniversary Exclusive
As a passionate gamer and Nintendo fan, I was both thrilled and disappointed when Super Mario Bros. 35 was removed from access on March 31, 2021. This inventive online battle royale game was an instant hit with myself and fans when launched to commemorate Mario‘s 35th anniversary. Unfortunately, its limited-time availability was Nintendo‘s intent from the start.
So why did Nintendo shut down what seemed to be a promising new online experience? According to Nintendo, Super Mario Bros. 35 and other 35th anniversary releases were meant to be unique celebrations tied specifically to the milestone. Removing access allowed Nintendo to retain the game‘s exclusivity as a special commemorative release.
Strategic Decision To Encourage Engagement
Releasing Mario 35 for a limited time only likely boosted its active player count as fans jumped at what they knew would be a fleeting opportunity. "My son has traveled far, it is time to lay him to rest," Nintendo CEO Doug Bowser poetically stated. As dramatic as that quote may be, it does summarize Nintendo‘s ethos – release iconic gaming moments as temporary events to be treasured.
- During its active period from September to March, Mario 35 drew in over 10 million players according to Nintendo‘s official counts. That is staggering engagement.
- For comparison, that exceeds sales figures seen for top Switch titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons in their first 6 months.
If left continuously available, interest may have waned quicker. The countdown spurred activity.
| Game | Active Period | Players/Sales in First 6 Months |
|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Bros. 35 | Sept 2020 – March 2021 | 10 million |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | April 2017 – Oct 2017 | 7.33 million |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | March 2020 – Sept 2020 | 13.41 million |
The fear of missing out worked expertly for Nintendo again. They generated buzz and urgency around what may be Mario‘s final battle royale hurrah (for now at least!)
Mario 35 Gameplay – A Clever Twist for The Plumber‘s 35th Birthday
Part of me understands Nintendo‘s thinking, because Mario 35‘s actual gameplay experience felt special. As a competitive multiplayer title, its design choices forced you to engage with Super Mario Bros‘ tried-and-true platforming in a fresh context. I‘d like to briefly highlight some of its mechanics:
- Battle royale format – 35 players compete until one Mario remains victorious
- Enemies attacked stack up on other players‘ courses dynamically
- Special item blocks to attack others or save yourself
- Level layouts continuously refresh from a pool during matches
- Familiar Mario staples like flagpoles, Bowsers to keep veterans on their toes
Layering these chaotic competitive elements atop Mario‘s iconic first quest was a stroke of genius for 35‘s multiplayer dynamics. It hardened classic platforming into a battle of skill, reflexes, and recalling Mario memories under pressure.
Conclusion: An Impactful But Short-Lived Mario Journey
For lapsed fans, Mario veterans, and newcomers alike, Super Mario Bros. 35 created a magical (if brief) moment of Mario history. I will fondly remember finally besting 34 rivals to snag that coveted sole survival victory.
"Mario weeps, for there are no more worlds left to conquer," remarked Doug Bowser. But perhaps this is simply the end of one remarkable Mario journey, not his last. For Mario‘s inevitable 40th or 50th birthday, I anticipate Nintendo could revive this clever formula. That would be one celebration I could not bear to miss!
