Nintendo has officially renewed the trademarks for two prominent titles: The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes and Mario Tennis Ultra Smash.
The filings, confirmed in early January 2026, reaffirm Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its intellectual property and maintaining long-term franchise visibility.
Originally released for the Nintendo 3DS in October 2015, The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is a cooperative action-adventure game developed by Nintendo EPD.
It features multiplayer gameplay, allowing up to three players to team up and solve puzzles together using different character abilities.
Despite mixed reviews at launch—cited by some as a departure from traditional Zelda mechanics—the game found a niche audience, selling over one million copies worldwide according to Nintendo’s financial statements. Mario Tennis Ultra Smash, developed by Camelot Software Planning, launched for the Wii U in 2015.
The title aimed to expand on the popular Mario Tennis franchise with new gameplay techniques and multiplayer options.
While critical reception was mixed, as noted in multiple industry reviews, the game contributed to the legacy of Mario sports titles and maintained momentum for the series heading into the Nintendo Switch era. Although trademark renewals are standard business procedure for a global company like Nintendo, they often attract attention from the gaming community.
Both The Legend of Zelda and Mario franchises are celebrating major anniversaries this year, and Nintendo’s renewed legal filings have sparked renewed curiosity about potential re-releases, anniversary specials, or new content—though no announcements or plans have been officially confirmed as of this writing. In a statement paraphrased from Nintendo’s recent communication, the company underscored its dedication to preserving its catalog and ensuring that beloved titles remain part of its growing ecosystem.
Industry analysts recognize these steps as crucial for keeping classic games available for new platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and the digital eShop. As fans continue to celebrate the legacy of The Legend of Zelda and Mario series, the renewed trademarks for Tri Force Heroes and Ultra Smash serve as a reminder of Nintendo’s enduring influence on the gaming landscape.
The filings, confirmed in early January 2026, reaffirm Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its intellectual property and maintaining long-term franchise visibility.
Originally released for the Nintendo 3DS in October 2015, The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is a cooperative action-adventure game developed by Nintendo EPD.
It features multiplayer gameplay, allowing up to three players to team up and solve puzzles together using different character abilities.
Despite mixed reviews at launch—cited by some as a departure from traditional Zelda mechanics—the game found a niche audience, selling over one million copies worldwide according to Nintendo’s financial statements. Mario Tennis Ultra Smash, developed by Camelot Software Planning, launched for the Wii U in 2015.
The title aimed to expand on the popular Mario Tennis franchise with new gameplay techniques and multiplayer options.
While critical reception was mixed, as noted in multiple industry reviews, the game contributed to the legacy of Mario sports titles and maintained momentum for the series heading into the Nintendo Switch era. Although trademark renewals are standard business procedure for a global company like Nintendo, they often attract attention from the gaming community.
Both The Legend of Zelda and Mario franchises are celebrating major anniversaries this year, and Nintendo’s renewed legal filings have sparked renewed curiosity about potential re-releases, anniversary specials, or new content—though no announcements or plans have been officially confirmed as of this writing. In a statement paraphrased from Nintendo’s recent communication, the company underscored its dedication to preserving its catalog and ensuring that beloved titles remain part of its growing ecosystem.
Industry analysts recognize these steps as crucial for keeping classic games available for new platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and the digital eShop. As fans continue to celebrate the legacy of The Legend of Zelda and Mario series, the renewed trademarks for Tri Force Heroes and Ultra Smash serve as a reminder of Nintendo’s enduring influence on the gaming landscape.
