Mario & Luigi: Brothership—How Nintendo and Acquire Landed on the Game's Unique Title

Mario & Luigi: Brothership—How Nintendo and Acquire Landed on the Game's Unique Title Nintendo's legacy of creative RPGs continues with Mario & Luigi: Brothership, marking a fresh chapter for the acclaimed Mario & Luigi series.

Developed for Nintendo Switch by the experienced team at Acquire under Nintendo's stewardship, this new adventure rekindles the spirit of its predecessors while introducing a name designed to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers.

Behind the scenes, the journey to select the game's final title was just as intricate as crafting its gameplay. The Collaboration Behind Mario & Luigi: Brothership In a recent interview published by Nintendo Dream, Acquire's producer Akira Otani shed light on the collaborative naming process that defined the latest entry in the Mario & Luigi RPG franchise.

Otani revealed that the teams at Nintendo and Acquire "brainstormed over 100 options" to ensure the title captured the spirit and essence of the brothers’ next adventure on Switch. One of the earliest front-runners for the name was “Mario & Luigi Wonder,” a nod to the sense of excitement central to Mario’s universe.

However, as Otani explained, the release of Super Mario Bros.

Wonder on October 20, 2023, made this impossible.

"Initially, I wanted to name it 'Mario & Luigi Wonder'," Otani said in the interview, clarifying that once Super Mario Bros.

Wonder launched, “it was no longer an option for us.” Seeking a solution, Nintendo and Acquire held further discussions, eventually gravitating toward "Brothership"—a portmanteau highlighting both the brothers’ ship, their central base in the game, and the theme of brotherhood.

Otani elaborated, “The word ‘ship’ not only refers to a literal ship, but also symbolizes friendship, which fits the bond between Mario and Luigi perfectly.

With its double meaning, ‘Brothership’ encapsulated the game’s essence, and it simply felt right.” Notably, Otani highlighted that this time, unlike many prior entries, the title remained consistent across all regions on launch. From Superstar Saga to Brothership: Naming Milestones The Mario & Luigi franchise has seen several widely praised RPG entries since its debut in 2003, each known for inventive titles and character-driven stories.

After Super Mario Bros.

Wonder’s successful launch—celebrated for reinvigorating 2D Mario gameplay—it’s clear why Nintendo opted for distinct branding for its sibling RPG project on the Switch eShop. With Mario & Luigi: Brothership poised to join the Nintendo Switch library, Nintendo and Acquire’s careful approach to naming demonstrates their attention to legacy, audience, and creativity.

As the title readies for its next showcase—possibly in an upcoming Nintendo Direct—fans can look forward to an adventure matching its thoughtful name. Mario & Luigi: Brothership continues a tradition of imaginative RPG storytelling, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch.

The game is positioned as both an homage to the past and a bold new step for Mario & Luigi’s unforgettable journeys.

Nintendo Mario Luigi Acquire Mario & Luigi: Brothership Akira Otani Nintendo Switch Switch