Nintendo commemorated the Super Mario 40th anniversary with a special Nintendo Direct 2025 on September 12, 2025. The event offered a range of Super Mario Bros 40th anniversary announcements and updates, reflecting the lasting impact of Mario and the evolving world of Nintendo gaming.

Mario's 40th Anniversary Celebrations

Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, opened the presentation by honoring the Super Mario 40th anniversary, which originally launched in Japan on September 13, 1985. To mark the milestone, Nintendo unveiled multiple initiatives for fans to enjoy.

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 will release on October 2, 2025, for Nintendo Switch Super Mario releases. These titles will include enhanced controls, an improved user interface, and 4K support for Nintendo Switch 2, providing both new and returning players with an enriched gaming experience.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was also announced, offering an animated adaptation of the Super Mario universe. The film is scheduled to premiere on April 3, 2026, promising to bring Mario’s adventures to the big screen.

Additionally, Nintendo Museum Exhibits will feature a 40th-anniversary light display, exclusive Super Mario illustrations, and a special ticket design. Visitors in Kyoto will be able to immerse themselves in the history and charm of Mario through these exhibits.

New Game Announcements

The Nintendo Direct 2025 revealed a variety of new Nintendo Switch games and updates. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is a new entry in the Fire Emblem series, delivering turn-based tactical RPG gameplay and scheduled to release for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Pokémon Pokopia was teased as an upcoming Pokémon adventure, generating anticipation among fans.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will bring Samus back for a journey on the mysterious planet Viewros, launching on December 4, 2025. Kirby Air Riders introduces aerial adventures, offering a fresh gameplay experience. Super Mario Bros Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition presents an enhanced version of the beloved 2D platformer, including new multiplayer modes that expand the game’s replay value, making it a key highlight of the Super Mario 40th anniversary.

Third-Party Highlights

Nintendo’s global publishing and development partners also showcased upcoming Nintendo Direct game reveals. Resident Evil Requiem introduces another chapter in the Resident Evil series, delivering intense survival horror gameplay. Hades II, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular roguelike dungeon crawler, will release digitally later this month. Suika Game Planet presents a creative puzzle experience with evolving fruit mechanics, while Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection allows players to ride, raise, and befriend monsters in a dynamic RPG world.

Additional Updates

Nintendo shared further updates for fans. Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC will expand the Pokémon Legends universe, while Donkey Kong Bananza DLC adds fresh content for the well-loved Donkey Kong series. The Nintendo Today App now features a Kirby-themed interface, enhancing the user experience with a playful touch.

The Nintendo Direct 2025 offered a celebration of both history and innovation, highlighting Nintendo’s commitment to delivering engaging experiences. Fans worldwide have multiple reasons to celebrate the Super Mario 40th anniversary and the exciting future of Nintendo Switch Super Mario releases, with upcoming Nintendo Direct game reveals and new Nintendo Switch games keeping anticipation high. The event marked another milestone in the ongoing journey of Mario, ensuring that the Super Mario 40th anniversary will be remembered for years to come.