Super Mario Run Now Official on The iPhone

By Edwin Kee
Super Marion Run
Super Marion Run release on iPad and iPhone this December

Nintendo’s expertise in the mobile gaming market has never been questioned -- in fact, they are the ones who popularized it, from the early days of Game & Watch to the Nintendo Game Boy, and its subsequent evolution to the modern day Nintendo 3DS. Having said that, there is one segment of the mobile gaming market that Nintendo had not touched until now -- smartphone games. Super Mario Run has officially launched on the iPhone today in the App Store, and there will be an Android-powered version that is set to follow suit in due time.

Super Mario Run is expected to bring everything that you have come to know and love about the platformer to the iOS-powered iPhone. The thing about platformers is, they tend to be more “playable” when you make use of hardware controllers. Somehow or rather, the use of a touchscreen to control your on-screen avatar does not quite cut the mustard. The release of Super Mario Run will also take a slightly different route compared to that of traditional video games, taking into consideration how Super Mario Run will be a paid title.

Yes, while Super Mario Run is released across 151 countries around the world for the iPhone, this maiden attempt at smartphone gaming by Nintendo will cost a rather hefty $9.99 to download. This is in stark contrast to many other smartphone games that cost a dollar or two, while others take the freemium route -- being free to download and install, but you can only go so far in the game before you end up frustrated at the lack of progress simply because you do not have enough in-game credits to upgrade your character, and these in-game credits can only be bought using real world money.

Will the hype of it all translate to a commercial smartphone gaming success? Only time will be able to tell, but knowing Nintendo and their track record, they should be able to emerge smelling more like roses from the situation. After all, Nintendo is well known for rolling out quality first party titles until today, and their games are normally very well thought out.

Super Mario Run will weigh in at 204MB, so you would do well in order to download it va a Wi-Fi connection lest you use up your precious data quota unwittingly. Nintendo has already basked in the glory of a hit smartphone game title earlier this year with Niantic Labs’ Pokemon GO, having seen more than 600 million downloads since July this year. Now that is a whole lot of downloads, and while I believe Super Mario Run will no doubt be a commercial success, to see it have the kind of mass appeal that Pokemon GO has is not going to happen.

Assuming this particular “experiment” by Nintendo actually results in an unprecedented level of success even by their own lofty standards, it will be interesting to see how their traditional rival, Sony, will react. From what we know, Sony too, wants a slice of the mobile gaming pie, with a recent announcement that they will be introducing PlayStation Games for smartphones, while rolling out up to half a dozen mobile games in the coming business year.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories