Nintendo is bringing its first Super Mario game to mobile. Super Mario Run will initially be available as an iOS exclusive, and it’s got the look and feel of a classic Mario game, but it’s designed specifically for smartphones.
The game will be available for iOS in time for the 2016 holiday season. It’ll launch on Android at a later date.
It’s a sort of cross between a platform and an endless runner, and Super Mario Run is designed to be playable with one hand.
Update: Super Mario Run will be available for iPhone and iPad starting December 15th. The app is free and allows users to “try elements of the game’s three modes for free,” but you’ll have to pay $10 to unlock the full experience.
Mario automatically runs from left to right, and you can make the character jump by tapping the screen. A long tap makes him jump higher. And as the game progresses, you’ll encounter additional game elements that change Mario’s direction, among other things.
There’s also a “Toad Rally” challenge mode that lets you try to beat high scores from your friends.
Nintendo says Super Mario Run will be sold for a “set price,” which means there will be no in-app purchases. The price hasn’t been announced yet, but once you pay for the game, you’ll be able to continue playing.
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Making a third party game iOS exclusive doesn’t make me want their products more, they just make them look like douchebags.
Eh, it was implied that it’s a launch exclusive. I suspect it’ll be available for Android at a later date… and it’d be kind of silly for Nintendo to announce that date while on stage at Apple’s event.
I think there was two concerns; piracy and compatibility.
Making an iOS game is easier with Apple’s SDK and guidelines. And it also means your App will work seamlessly anywhere from the newest iPhone 7 Plus to an iPhone 5 to the current iPod to the iPad Pro to an iPad 4 and even the latest Apple TV.
Android is a harder nut to crack.