Super Mario Run Surpasses 50 Million Downloads on iOS: A Mobile Milestone for Nintendo

Super Mario Run Surpasses 50 Million Downloads on iOS: A Mobile Milestone for Nintendo Super Mario Run has set a new standard for mobile gaming, breaking past the 50 million download mark on iOS devices within just two weeks of its launch.

Developed and published by Nintendo, this achievement marks an important milestone for both the gaming giant and the broader mobile games market.

As Mario’s first official outing on mobile platforms, Super Mario Run’s rapid rise in popularity reaffirmed Nintendo’s iconic status in the gaming industry and opened a new chapter in its evolution—from hardware-exclusive experiences such as the Nintendo Switch to broad-reaching mobile initiatives. Nintendo officially launched Super Mario Run exclusively for iOS (iPhone and iPad) on December 15, 2016.

The company had announced this initial launch strategy during an Apple event earlier that year, emphasizing its commitment to delivering high-quality Nintendo experiences beyond its dedicated consoles.

Key Nintendo figures, including Shigeru Miyamoto, championed this expansion as a way to introduce Mario to new audiences across the globe. In a statement following the game’s remarkable debut, Nintendo highlighted the unprecedented response from fans: "Super Mario Run achieved over 50 million downloads worldwide within just fourteen days on the App Store," Nintendo reported, emphasizing the impact of releasing on iOS as a first step in their mobile strategy.

This 50-million milestone underscores both the enduring appeal of the Mario franchise and the massive reach of mobile gaming, particularly on Apple’s platform. Although Nintendo confirmed plans to bring Super Mario Run to Android devices, the company refrained from providing a specific launch date or release window at the time of initial announcement.

Through its official Twitter account, Nintendo invited Android users to register for notifications, ensuring they would be promptly informed when the game became available for their devices. Super Mario Run follows a free-to-start model, allowing users to experience the game's opening levels at no cost.

Full access to the game's three main modes and its premium features requires a one-time purchase of $9.99.

This approach differentiates Super Mario Run from many other free-to-play mobile titles, as it forgoes ongoing microtransactions in favor of a single upfront payment.

The three core game modes—World Tour, Toad Rally, and Kingdom Builder—offer a wide range of content, appealing to longtime fans and newcomers alike. Lauding the success of Super Mario Run, Nintendo continues to build on this momentum by expanding its mobile offerings and maintaining a robust pipeline of innovation across platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and various eShop releases.

With significant download numbers and strong early sales, Super Mario Run serves as a testament to Nintendo’s adaptability and influence in the evolving landscape of mobile and console gaming.

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