Nintendo recently concluded an investor Q&A session following the release of its nine-month financial report, covering a variety of topics central to the gaming industry.
Among the subjects discussed were upcoming hardware — including speculation around the alleged Nintendo Switch 2 — future game launches, and transmedia projects.
One focal point, however, was the potential celebrations for major franchise milestones: namely, the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda and the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, two cornerstone properties in Nintendo’s portfolio. The original The Legend of Zelda debuted on the Famicom in Japan on February 21, 1986, while Pokémon launched on February 27, 1996.
Both franchises have enjoyed worldwide popularity and have become synonymous with the Nintendo brand.
Considering these significant anniversaries are approaching, investors sought insight into Nintendo’s commemorative plans. In response to these queries, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa focused first on Super Mario Bros., which is itself entering its 40th anniversary.
Furukawa reiterated that, as previously announced, Nintendo is organizing major celebrations for the Mario milestone.
He spotlighted the forthcoming theatrical release, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," and emphasized Nintendo’s intent to engage audiences ahead of this film release.
Furukawa also promoted recent software, stating that Nintendo hopes even more fans will experience "Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2," which became available last year on Nintendo Switch.
In addition, he previewed several upcoming titles to expand the Mario universe, such as "Mario Tennis Fever," "Super Mario Bros.
Wonder: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park," and "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book." Notably, the company president did not provide details regarding The Legend of Zelda or Pokémon anniversaries.
Addressing the lack of specifics, Furukawa stated, “With respect to plans beyond the Super Mario Bros.
40th anniversary, we are unable to share further details at this time.
However, milestones commemorating 30 and 40 years of beloved franchises are truly remarkable.
We are sincerely grateful to players worldwide for their continued support and affection toward these characters, and we remain committed to ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come.” Industry data highlights why these anniversaries are particularly noteworthy.
Recent sales figures have shown that The Legend of Zelda franchise is gaining traction, even overtaking Super Mario Bros.
in terms of units sold on the Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon, meanwhile, remains one of the world’s most lucrative entertainment properties; its ongoing global appeal is supported by regular game launches and events, including annual Pokémon Day celebrations. While Nintendo has not outlined specific celebratory events for Zelda and Pokémon, Nintendo’s track record and the cultural significance of these milestones suggest that more announcements are likely to arrive in due course.
Fans can look forward to a robust lineup of Mario-related products and media in the near future, with the possibility of Zelda- and Pokémon-focused content emerging as the anniversaries draw closer.
Stay updated on the latest official news through future Nintendo Direct presentations and the Nintendo eShop.
Among the subjects discussed were upcoming hardware — including speculation around the alleged Nintendo Switch 2 — future game launches, and transmedia projects.
One focal point, however, was the potential celebrations for major franchise milestones: namely, the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda and the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, two cornerstone properties in Nintendo’s portfolio. The original The Legend of Zelda debuted on the Famicom in Japan on February 21, 1986, while Pokémon launched on February 27, 1996.
Both franchises have enjoyed worldwide popularity and have become synonymous with the Nintendo brand.
Considering these significant anniversaries are approaching, investors sought insight into Nintendo’s commemorative plans. In response to these queries, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa focused first on Super Mario Bros., which is itself entering its 40th anniversary.
Furukawa reiterated that, as previously announced, Nintendo is organizing major celebrations for the Mario milestone.
He spotlighted the forthcoming theatrical release, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," and emphasized Nintendo’s intent to engage audiences ahead of this film release.
Furukawa also promoted recent software, stating that Nintendo hopes even more fans will experience "Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2," which became available last year on Nintendo Switch.
In addition, he previewed several upcoming titles to expand the Mario universe, such as "Mario Tennis Fever," "Super Mario Bros.
Wonder: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park," and "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book." Notably, the company president did not provide details regarding The Legend of Zelda or Pokémon anniversaries.
Addressing the lack of specifics, Furukawa stated, “With respect to plans beyond the Super Mario Bros.
40th anniversary, we are unable to share further details at this time.
However, milestones commemorating 30 and 40 years of beloved franchises are truly remarkable.
We are sincerely grateful to players worldwide for their continued support and affection toward these characters, and we remain committed to ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come.” Industry data highlights why these anniversaries are particularly noteworthy.
Recent sales figures have shown that The Legend of Zelda franchise is gaining traction, even overtaking Super Mario Bros.
in terms of units sold on the Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon, meanwhile, remains one of the world’s most lucrative entertainment properties; its ongoing global appeal is supported by regular game launches and events, including annual Pokémon Day celebrations. While Nintendo has not outlined specific celebratory events for Zelda and Pokémon, Nintendo’s track record and the cultural significance of these milestones suggest that more announcements are likely to arrive in due course.
Fans can look forward to a robust lineup of Mario-related products and media in the near future, with the possibility of Zelda- and Pokémon-focused content emerging as the anniversaries draw closer.
Stay updated on the latest official news through future Nintendo Direct presentations and the Nintendo eShop.
