Nintendo Celebrates 40 Years of Mario with Major Super Mario Galaxy Amiibo Launch and Movie Announcement
Nintendo is commemorating a major milestone in gaming history: the 40th anniversary of its flagship Super Mario franchise.
Building on its legacy of innovation and fan celebration, Nintendo announced an exciting slate of new products and projects during its September 12th, 2025 Nintendo Direct broadcast.
This year’s festivities not only honor four decades since Mario's introduction in 1985 but also offer a wealth of new experiences for fans to enjoy across Nintendo hardware and media platforms. Key among the announcements is the introduction of a pair of Super Mario Galaxy-themed amiibo figures.
Set for release on April 2nd, 2026, the new collection includes intricately designed amiibo depicting Mario, Rosalina, and the ever-charming Lumas—fan-favorite characters from the acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy series originally released on Wii and later for Nintendo Switch via the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection.
According to Nintendo, the amiibo will feature enhanced detail and craftsmanship that reflects the cosmic adventures of the Galaxy titles, echoing the standout releases from Mario’s 30th anniversary. Nintendo’s commitment to fans of amiibo collectibles continues beyond Mario.
In the same Nintendo Direct presentation, the company revealed two brand-new Kirby Air Riders amiibo, scheduled for launch on November 20th, 2025.
These figures are designed to complement the rapid-paced action of the Kirby Air Riders game, adding fresh content and in-game bonuses for players who scan them on their Nintendo Switch console.
The revealed designs offer unique, swappable components, marking them as some of the most creative figures yet introduced to the amiibo lineup. In another headline-grabbing moment, Nintendo lifted the curtain on its next major film collaboration with Illumination Pictures.
The new project, officially titled “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” will serve as the successor to 2023’s record-breaking Super Mario Bros.
Movie.
By announcing this cinematic venture during the anniversary celebration, Nintendo underscores its dedication to expanding Mario’s universe across diverse entertainment mediums.
While an advance leak hinted at the title, Nintendo’s formal confirmation reinforces its robust partnership with Illumination Pictures, known for their expertise in animated filmmaking. Since launching the original Super Mario Bros.
in 1985, Nintendo has grown the franchise into one of the best-selling and most influential in video game history, with over 400 million units sold worldwide.
With consistent innovation, a thriving eShop presence, regular Nintendo Direct updates, and now major cross-media projects, Mario remains at the heart of Nintendo’s identity. This latest wave of announcements highlights Nintendo’s ongoing strategy: to honor its past while engaging a new generation through innovative hardware, digital storefronts, and globally popular franchises like Super Mario and Kirby.
Fans of both amiibo collectibles and Mario’s interstellar escapades can look forward to these releases on the Nintendo Switch and beyond, underscoring 2025 as a landmark year for Nintendo and the entire gaming community.
Building on its legacy of innovation and fan celebration, Nintendo announced an exciting slate of new products and projects during its September 12th, 2025 Nintendo Direct broadcast.
This year’s festivities not only honor four decades since Mario's introduction in 1985 but also offer a wealth of new experiences for fans to enjoy across Nintendo hardware and media platforms. Key among the announcements is the introduction of a pair of Super Mario Galaxy-themed amiibo figures.
Set for release on April 2nd, 2026, the new collection includes intricately designed amiibo depicting Mario, Rosalina, and the ever-charming Lumas—fan-favorite characters from the acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy series originally released on Wii and later for Nintendo Switch via the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection.
According to Nintendo, the amiibo will feature enhanced detail and craftsmanship that reflects the cosmic adventures of the Galaxy titles, echoing the standout releases from Mario’s 30th anniversary. Nintendo’s commitment to fans of amiibo collectibles continues beyond Mario.
In the same Nintendo Direct presentation, the company revealed two brand-new Kirby Air Riders amiibo, scheduled for launch on November 20th, 2025.
These figures are designed to complement the rapid-paced action of the Kirby Air Riders game, adding fresh content and in-game bonuses for players who scan them on their Nintendo Switch console.
The revealed designs offer unique, swappable components, marking them as some of the most creative figures yet introduced to the amiibo lineup. In another headline-grabbing moment, Nintendo lifted the curtain on its next major film collaboration with Illumination Pictures.
The new project, officially titled “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” will serve as the successor to 2023’s record-breaking Super Mario Bros.
Movie.
By announcing this cinematic venture during the anniversary celebration, Nintendo underscores its dedication to expanding Mario’s universe across diverse entertainment mediums.
While an advance leak hinted at the title, Nintendo’s formal confirmation reinforces its robust partnership with Illumination Pictures, known for their expertise in animated filmmaking. Since launching the original Super Mario Bros.
in 1985, Nintendo has grown the franchise into one of the best-selling and most influential in video game history, with over 400 million units sold worldwide.
With consistent innovation, a thriving eShop presence, regular Nintendo Direct updates, and now major cross-media projects, Mario remains at the heart of Nintendo’s identity. This latest wave of announcements highlights Nintendo’s ongoing strategy: to honor its past while engaging a new generation through innovative hardware, digital storefronts, and globally popular franchises like Super Mario and Kirby.
Fans of both amiibo collectibles and Mario’s interstellar escapades can look forward to these releases on the Nintendo Switch and beyond, underscoring 2025 as a landmark year for Nintendo and the entire gaming community.
