When Was Super Mario Bros. 35 Released? The Complete History
Official Release Date:
Launched exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members as part of Mario's 35th anniversary celebration.
About Super Mario Bros. 35
This unique battle royale interpretation of the classic NES game featured:
- 35 players competing simultaneously in the same Super Mario Bros. world
- Defeated enemies get sent to other players' screens
- Collect coins to extend your time and survive longer
- Classic physics and controls from the 1985 original
- Special "Target Battle" mode added later
Release Timeline
Announced during the Nintendo Direct Mini presentation as part of Mario's 35th anniversary celebration
Released exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers
"Target Battle" mode added via update
Game discontinued and removed from the eShop after its planned 6-month availability
Why Was It Discontinued?
Nintendo stated the game was always intended as a limited-time offering:
- Part of the special 35th anniversary celebration
- Licensing issues with the original NES game code
- Similar to their approach with Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary All-Stars collection
- Possibly to maintain the value of Nintendo Switch Online's regular offerings
Gameplay Features
Battle Royale Mechanics
- All players start at World 1-1 simultaneously
- Defeating enemies sends copies to other players' games
- Last surviving player wins the match
- Time extends with collected coins
Power-Up Strategies
- Fire Flowers let you attack distant enemies
- Starmen provide temporary invincibility
- Careful use of warp pipes can help avoid enemy floods
FAQ About Super Mario Bros. 35
Can you still play Super Mario Bros. 35?
No. The game was permanently removed from the Nintendo eShop on March 31, 2021 and cannot be downloaded or played legally.
Why was it called Super Mario Bros. 35?
The name references both the 35-player battle royale format and Mario's 35th anniversary celebration.
Were there any special events?
Yes, Nintendo hosted special "Time Attack" tournaments with unique rules during its availability.
Will it ever return?
Nintendo has given no indication of bringing it back, though fans continue to request its return.
Conclusion
Super Mario Bros. 35 was a creative twist on Nintendo's classic platformer, released on October 1, 2020 as part of Mario's 35th anniversary celebration. This innovative battle royale interpretation delighted fans during its limited six-month availability, showcasing how Nintendo could reinvent its most iconic game for the modern multiplayer era.
While its discontinuation in March 2021 disappointed many players, Super Mario Bros. 35 remains a fascinating experiment in Nintendo's history - a rare instance where the company embraced contemporary gaming trends while staying true to its classic roots. Its brief but memorable existence serves as a testament to Mario's enduring versatility across gaming generations.