After months of leaks, hype, and speculation, Nintendo dropped an absolute bombshell on September 3. Or rather multiple bomb shells.

The “Super Mario Bros. 35^th Anniversary Direct” opened by announcing a Game and Watch port of both Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. It is a callback to Nintendo’s first handheld systems and will emulate the games in “full color liquid display.” The handheld, which will also include a Mario reskin of the popular Game and Watch title, Ball, releases for a limited time November 13^th.

Announced next was the highly speculated Nintendo Switch port of Super Mario 3D World. The insanely popular Wii U game is one of the last Wii U games to be ported to Switch. However, this game is no ordinary port: it will also add online multiplayer co-op as well as a brand-new game mode: Bowser’s Fury. This game will release early 2021.

The next game announced was the Nintendo EShop exclusive, Super Mario Bros. 35. Reminiscent of Tetris 99, Mario 35 is an online battle royale game in which 35 players run through Super Mario Bros. stages, with a twist. Each enemy defeated will appear on the screens of your opponent. Last Mario standing wins. This game, yet another limited time release, will be available from October 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021.

The Direct then went on to announce a MarioKart augmented reality game and the addition of Super Mario All-Stars to the Nintendo Switch online subscription service. Mario-related events were announced for Splatoon 2, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Mario Maker 2. Nintendo also unveiled special pins and keychains as rewards for playing around with their website. Mario clotheslines, board games, LEGO sets, and shoes were also announced as part of the anniversary event.

Nintendo capped off the presentation with one of its biggest announcements ever: the long-awaited Super Mario 3D All Stars. This game collection will bring three of Mario’s most acclaimed adventures to the Switch. The collection includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. Each of these 3D platformers are extremely beloved games, with Mario 64 being one of the most speedran games of all time. The game will also include “music from all three titles.” The game will be available starting September 18^th, and it is must have for any Nintendo Switch owner.

All in all, it is a very good time to be a fan of Mario. I’m glad to revisit the storied past of this game franchise and am excited for the future of it as well.