Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Features Subtle Mario Easter Eggs on PlayStation

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Brings Mario References to PlayStation Fans Hideo Kojima and his renowned studio, Kojima Productions, have once again blurred the lines between gaming universes with their latest release, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

Launched in 2024 as the highly anticipated sequel to the original genre-defying title, this PlayStation-exclusive adventure has quickly captivated players with its unique mechanics and narrative depth.

However, eagle-eyed fans and industry watchers have also noticed surprising nods to Nintendo’s legendary Super Mario franchise embedded within the game's fabric. For those unfamiliar, Death Stranding 2 continues the groundbreaking work of Hideo Kojima, a visionary developer celebrated for pushing creative boundaries.

Drawing critical acclaim since its debut, the series is recognized for its atmospheric storytelling and innovative traversal gameplay—colloquially dubbed a “walking simulator.” Yet, within this somber, futuristic setting, Kojima Productions has sprinkled subtle, playful Easter eggs that pay tribute to gaming icons from other platforms. The most notable homage appears as a set of Mushroom Badges that players can sew onto their backpacks from the outset.

Observant players have noticed that these badges, featuring colorful mushroom designs, closely resemble those found in the Mario Kart series—right down to the distinctive trio formation.

While these mushroom motifs have been a motif throughout both Death Stranding and its sequel—manifesting even within the game’s environmental mechanics—the deliberate choice to mirror the recognizable look of Super Mario’s power-ups has sparked considerable conversation.

The badges, officially labeled as "Golden Toadstools" in-game, evoke strong associations with Nintendo’s Mushroom Kingdom, prompting speculation about intentional cross-references. It’s worth noting that references to Mario and Princess Peach aren’t entirely new to the Death Stranding universe.

The original game contained overt nods—including dialogue referencing Nintendo’s beloved characters.

In Death Stranding 2, these connections take a more visual approach, weaving classic elements of Nintendo nostalgia into Kojima’s original narrative tapestry. Kojima Productions’ playful inclusion exemplifies the respect and interconnectedness within the gaming industry, where franchises as iconic as Nintendo’s Mario can find a place—however subtle—inside another creator’s world.

With Death Stranding 2: On The Beach cementing its place as a standout PlayStation release in 2024, these cross-platform Easter eggs serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Super Mario and the creativity of developers like Hideo Kojima. As fans continue to explore every corner of the new game, further discoveries may emerge that deepen the connections between Death Stranding and Nintendo’s storied legacy.

With Death Stranding 2’s sales climbing and its community abuzz, the spotlight remains on Kojima Productions’ ability to surprise and delight dedicated gamers worldwide.

Nintendo PlayStation Mario Super Mario Hideo Kojima Kojima Productions Death Stranding Death Stranding 2