Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida Praises Super Mario Bros. Movie and Nintendo's Iconic IP

Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida Applauds Nintendo's Super Mario Bros.

Movie and Enduring Legacy The Super Mario Bros.

Movie has swiftly become one of the most financially successful animated films of the decade, further solidifying Nintendo’s powerhouse presence in both the gaming and entertainment industries.

Co-produced by Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment, the movie premiered globally in April 2023 and has since achieved remarkable box office results, amassing over $1.3 billion in worldwide ticket sales—making it one of the top-grossing movies of the year.

The film continues the legacy of the Super Mario franchise, which first debuted in 1985 and has since become synonymous with the Nintendo brand, revered by generations of gamers and industry peers alike. This cross-media triumph recently caught the attention of Sony's Chief Executive Officer, Kenichiro Yoshida.

During Sony’s annual Corporate Strategy Meeting, Yoshida openly discussed his personal admiration for Nintendo’s flagship character and intellectual property after attending a screening of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie.

In his remarks, Yoshida described Mario as "a beautiful and remarkable intellectual property," recalling his own experiences playing Mario titles three decades ago.

Yoshida further emphasized that, "A beloved IP can endure for 30, 50, or even 100 years.

Investing in such sustainable franchises is essential for long-term business growth." Yoshida's comments underscore a wider recognition within the gaming and entertainment sectors of the lasting value of high-quality intellectual property.

While his focus was on the business aspects of IP longevity rather than the artistic elements, his unreserved praise for a leading competitor’s success is notable in an industry often marked by rivalry.

Nintendo’s strategy of leveraging its renowned franchises—such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon—has consistently resulted in top-selling games and now, record-breaking cinematic releases.

Recent milestones include the continued strong sales performance of Super Mario Odyssey (over 26 million copies sold on Nintendo Switch) and the revitalization of classic media through modern adaptations. The Super Mario Bros.

Movie’s commercial and critical reception has bolstered Nintendo’s already-powerful brand identity, inspiring companies across entertainment sectors to explore the potential of iconic, cross-generational franchises.

For Sony and others, Yoshida’s remarks highlight not only a respect for Nintendo’s achievements, but a corporate ambition to cultivate enduring, fan-favorite IPs that can have a significant impact on culture and business for decades to come.

Nintendo Mario Super Mario Bros. Movie Sony Super Mario Super Mario Bros Mario Bros Kenichiro Yoshida Illumination Entertainment