Nintendo is set to delight younger fans once again with a playful new mobile and console experience. Launching August 26, 2025, the free Hello, Mario! app will be available on iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch, giving children an interactive way to poke, stretch, and smoosh Mario’s iconic face.
This lighthearted release brings back the spirit of the famous Super Mario 64 title screen—where Mario’s head was a virtual plaything—but modernized for touchscreens and portable consoles. With its kid-friendly controls and safe design, Hello, Mario! transforms screen time into a moment of tactile fun, nostalgia, and imagination.
“Hello, Mario!” has no in-app purchases or subscriptions, ensuring a safe environment for kids to explore without accidental spending.
Confirmed Features
According to Nintendo’s official announcement and coverage from The Verge and Nintendo Life, the app will:
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Allow children to touch, pull, and stretch Mario’s face in a responsive, cartoon-like environment.
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Include a simple, kid-safe interface aimed at preschool and early primary ages.
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Be released alongside Nintendo’s new My Mario merchandise line in Japan—featuring plush toys, teething items, blocks, and books, many of which tie into the app thematically.
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Remain completely free to download and play, with no ads or monetization.
Editorial Perspective: How “Hello, Mario!” Might Work
(The following section is interpretative, based on common Nintendo design approaches—these details have not been officially confirmed.)
The app could use responsive facial mechanics and instant animation feedback to make interactions feel natural and rewarding. Children might be able to:
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Explore different parts of Mario’s face for unique reactions.
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Hear playful sound effects tied to their touches.
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Take screenshots of their custom “smooshed” Mario expressions to share with family.
Given Nintendo’s track record with polished animation and charming sound design, Hello, Mario! is likely to provide a sensory-rich experience that captures young attention and encourages imaginative play.
Why It Matters for Kids
(Based on general child development principles, not specific Nintendo claims.)
Tactile apps like Hello, Mario! can encourage:
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Fine motor skills through touch gestures.
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Cause-and-effect learning by showing instant reactions to input.
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Creativity and emotional expression by letting kids experiment with facial expressions.
Tips for Parents
While the app is built with safety in mind, parents can maximize both fun and security by:
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Playing alongside children to encourage shared creativity.
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Setting reasonable screen time limits.
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Keeping devices updated and secure.
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Disabling any optional sharing features to protect privacy.
A Fun Return to a Classic Gimmick
With Hello, Mario!, Nintendo isn’t launching a traditional game—it’s giving families a lighthearted, interactive toy for the digital age. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic nod to a quirky piece of Mario history; for kids, it’s a safe, silly playground where creativity meets one of gaming’s most iconic faces.
Hello, Mario! launches August 26, 2025, free on iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch.