Mario & Luigi: Brothership – Nintendo Revives Iconic Series with Acquire After AlphaDream Closure

With the release of Mario & Luigi: Brothership on Nintendo Switch, fans of the beloved RPG franchise celebrate a triumphant return.

The future of the Mario & Luigi series had appeared uncertain when AlphaDream, the original developer behind the acclaimed series, closed its doors in 2019.

For years, speculation around a new entry ran high.

However, Nintendo’s steadfast commitment to the series was recently revealed in a detailed 'Ask the Developer' feature published by Nintendo, showcasing the journey behind the new installment.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership marks the latest collaboration between Nintendo and Acquire, a Japanese studio recognized for its creative expertise.

The new title, which launched earlier this year on the Switch, represents a pivotal moment for the franchise, ensuring its legacy continues on modern hardware.

Senior members from both companies, including Akira Otani and Tomoki Fukushima from Nintendo EPD, and director Haruyuki Ohashi and designer Hitomi Furuta from Acquire, shared insights into the development process in the official interview. Addressing the challenge of reviving the series after a significant hiatus, Akira Otani explained that, after Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, Nintendo engaged in extensive internal discussions about the series’ future.

The development team recognized the dual challenge of innovating for the Nintendo Switch while retaining the core appeal that fans associate with Mario & Luigi adventures.

“There were genuine moments when we questioned whether it was possible to develop another entry,” Otani revealed.

“Eventually, after thorough deliberation, we contacted Acquire and, following several discussions, felt they were uniquely suited to help us realize our vision for a 3D Mario & Luigi title.

This partnership allowed us to move forward with joint development.” Crucially, to preserve the authenticity and spirit of the series, several former AlphaDream staff members were enlisted for the new project.

This move ensured that the signature "Mario & Luigi-like" charm remained intact, bridging the gap between past and present installments.

Designer Hitomi Furuta additionally shared that while early development experiments included a more intense visual style for Mario, Nintendo advised a shift to visuals that would resonate with longtime fans, cementing the recognizable aesthetic synonymous with the series. Mario & Luigi: Brothership’s arrival on the Nintendo Switch not only reaffirms Nintendo’s dedication to its iconic franchises but also highlights the company’s willingness to embrace new partnerships to keep its beloved properties alive.

The game's development story stands as a testament to the resilience of creative collaboration within the video game industry. With sales of the Mario & Luigi franchise having surpassed several million units globally across various Nintendo platforms, the successful revival on Switch positions Brothership as both a celebration of classic RPG mechanics and a modern reimagining.

This new entry serves longtime fans and newcomers alike, blending nostalgia with engaging gameplay enhancements. The full 'Ask the Developer' interview on nintendo.com provides additional behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insights.

As Nintendo continues to support the Switch with acclaimed new titles, Mario & Luigi: Brothership stands out as a notable achievement in the platform’s RPG library.

Nintendo Mario Switch Luigi Acquire AlphaDream Mario & Luigi: Brothership Nintendo Switch