Nintendo Unveils New 2D Super Mario Bros. Game for Switch, Release Date Set for October

In a surprise announcement this morning, Nintendo unveiled “Super Mario Bros. Wonder,” a brand-new 2D entry in the iconic platforming series. The game is slated for release on October 20, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. The reveal came via a Nintendo Direct livestream that showcased gameplay, new power-ups, and a fresh art direction that marks a bold step forward for the franchise’s retro roots.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the first side-scrolling mainline Mario game since 2012’s New Super Mario Bros. U and looks to carry the legacy while injecting new life into the formula. Nintendo introduced a unique visual style with vibrant, dynamic animations that react to player interactions in dynamic ways. The game also features a mysterious Wonder Flower that alters level design and gameplay mechanics in surprising, often surreal ways — from warping pipes to shifting terrain and character transformations.

One of the biggest reveals was the addition of new power-ups, including the Elephant Fruit, which morphs Mario into a powerful elephant form capable of smashing through obstacles. Mario will be joined by familiar characters like Luigi, Peach, Toad, and newcomer Daisy as playable options, each controllable in both solo and local co-op modes.

Longtime fans will appreciate homages to classic titles, while new players can look forward to a more approachable difficulty curve and creative hazards that highlight Nintendo’s ever-inventive level design. According to Takashi Tezuka, a longtime producer on the franchise, the team wanted to “recapture the magic and unpredictability of Mario’s early adventures, but with modern twists that surprise and delight.”

Nintendo has not announced any online multiplayer options yet, although details on downloadable content and potential Amiibo compatibility are expected in the coming weeks.

With its mix of nostalgia and innovation, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is shaping up to be a major release for Nintendo this holiday season — and perhaps the most exciting 2D Mario experience in over a decade. October 20 can’t come soon enough for platforming fans ready to rediscover the Mushroom Kingdom.