Watch as Super Mario, Minecraft and Wii U collide

10 May 2016

Wii U users are in for a treat after news emerged that Nintendo is pairing Super Mario up with Minecraft for a special DLC mash-up pack.

Calling it a match made in “block-shaped heaven”, Nintendo’s combining of Super Mario with Minecraft seems the easiest marketing idea in the company’s history.

Take one of the most famous arcade characters in history, combine him with a game with support beyond any sensible prediction, and let it drive up interest in a games console.

The Wii U will welcome the game as a free update to Minecraft: Wii U Edition. This update will give gamers immediate access to new skins and a pre-made world, as well as music and item textures, all based on the Super Mario theme.

There are 40 skins in total, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Wario and all seven Koopalings – the full release is 18 May

“Both the Super Mario franchise and Minecraft embrace the magic of exploration and discovery,” said Nintendo’s Steve Singer.

“Players will have a great time adventuring and creating in this free game update that embraces the unique and memorable elements of both franchises.”

Essentially gamers will get the chance to recreate locations from right throughout the Super Mario franchise: expect some blocky painting-heavy castles in the near future.

Meanwhile, Nintendo’s flagship game Zelda was expected out this year, but it has been announced that its release will be delayed until the new NX console comes out next March.

Gordon Hunt was a journalist with Silicon Republic

editorial@siliconrepublic.com