Latest news with #MushroomKingdom
The Verge
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Mario Kart World's designers had to rethink everything to make it open world
From the very beginning, the goal for Mario Kart World was ambitious. A follow-up to the Switch's (and Wii U's) best-selling game, one that steadily grew over the years, World 's original concept focused on two key changes: doubling the amount of racers, and creating a connected, open world for players to explore. It was so big that, early on in development for the original Switch, the team was having a hard time making it work on the hardware, and eventually it shifted to become the main launch title for the more powerful Switch 2. But even outside of technical issues, those changes meant a fundamental rethink of many of Mario Kart 's core elements. 'We knew when we came up with this idea that it really would be a big change for the series,' says producer Kosuke Yabuki, 'but we had no idea at the time how many people, how much time, and how much effort that would require to actually achieve it.' The most obvious change is right there in the title: it's the world. Instead of a series of individual racetracks, all of Mario Kart World 's courses take place on the same landmass, connected by a series of routes. The game isn't set in an existing version of the Mushroom Kingdom, but instead a brand-new location that has been designed from the ground-up around the idea of racing. 'As you travel through this world, you will see things that remind you of the Mushroom Kingdom,' Yabuki explains. 'Elements like the question mark blocks or warp pipes. In terms of world design, I would say this world was designed for Mario Kart World. If you look at the height of a mountain, or the length of a desert, those were all things that we decided specifically for this title.' According to Yabuki – who previously worked on both Mario Kart 7 and 8, and served as producer on the Switch fighter Arms – unlike many open worlds, the game wasn't designed to be a recreation of a realistic or believable place. He says that 'we have to think about not simply recreating real-world patterns in terms of a town or an island. Rather, this world exists purely to make Mario Kart more fun.' Building the world wasn't difficult purely because it was larger than past games, but also because of that connected nature. As Yabuki explains it, when one element of the world was changed, it had a cascading effect that could impact other parts of the world as well. 'If you change the height of a mountain you have to think about whether you've diminished its usefulness in the surrounding areas as a landmark, for example,' Yabuki says. 'This means that in the end terrain design is actually quite a difficult task, because if you change one thing, you have to adjust many more.' This influenced the way the race tracks themselves were designed. In previous Mario Kart games, the developers had more control over how players were able to view the courses, because they were racing along pre-defined roads and paths. But that's no longer the case. 'You used to be designing courses with the notion that people are going to drive and look in a very few fixed directions that we know ahead of time,' Yabuki says, 'compared to Mario Kart World, where people might enter a course from anywhere, or leave that course from anywhere, and continue driving. So we have to think about those entry and exit points, and how they affect the player's vantage. In that sense, Mario Kart World course design is quite a bit more work compared to previous games.' What is on Toad's head? In 2018, Super Mario Odyssey producer Yoshiaki Koizumi confirmed a long-debated fact: the mushroom on Toad's head is actually his head, and not a hat. But Toad's appearance in Mario Kart World, in which he's wearing a racing helmet, raises a new question as to what the helmet actually is. Unfortunately, like in some of my past Mario-related investigations, I was unable to get a definitive answer on this. 'When it comes to Toad, there really are a lot of secrets about this character, and I have to say not all of them are mine to share,' Yabuki told me. 'But I would like for you, when you play the game, to consider when Toad is wearing a helmet, sometimes he'll have that transform and you'll see suddenly it's a hamburger. So I want you to think about that moment and what your personal theory about Toad's head might be.' The expansiveness similarly had an impact on the game's structure. For one thing, it inspired an all-new mode called Knockout Tour, where players are racing across the entire continent, while their numbers steadily dwindle, sort of like a Mario Kart take on battle royale. It also introduced a notable change for the classic Grand Prix mode, as now players have to drive to their next race, instead of being automatically transported. Yabuki says that one of the inspirations behind this change was the concept of kishōtenketsu, a four-part story structure used for everything from poetry to comic strips. 'First you introduce an idea, you let it develop, then you have a turn, and then you have a conclusion,' Yabuki says of the structure. 'We tried to follow that kind of thinking. The start of the Grand Prix is that first frame of a four-panel comic, for example, and you're going to have moments along the way as you develop, and then you have a turn, and a conclusion. In order to allow those moments to breathe, you have to think about the difficulty of each step. So when you're driving from one course to the next, you have more freedom, there's a little bit more latitude, and it's purposefully not as difficult, to give some variation in that pace so that the feeling can develop.' It's not just the world that has gotten bigger, but the number of participating racers as well. World has doubled the number per race from 12 to 24. It wasn't as simple as adding more players, as the additional racers created balance issues with multiple elements of the game, which Yabuki says forced the development team to 'reconsider all elements from their fundamentals' in order to accommodate everyone. 'We had to consider as varied elements as the road width, the kart size, or even things like when a player is hit by a shell, how much speed do they lose? How much speed do they lose with other types of collisions? All of these things had to be considered from scratch to balance,' he explains. One thing that hasn't changed is just how weird the game can be. Recent Mario adventures have taken a turn for the surreal, but strangeness has always been a part of the franchise's DNA. This is, after all, a game where eating mushrooms and flowers gives you superpowers, and the new Mario Kart lets you race as everything from a cow to a Goomba. So when Yabuki was trying to convince the team on one of World 's more out-there ideas — that eating food at a diner gives your character a whole new look — he was able to point back to some of the older Mario titles. 'We've always had some really interesting and weird precedents that we could draw from,' he says. 'When I was trying to explain the concept of eating something and having a costume change, sometimes in order to persuade them I would say 'look, it's the sort of thing we used to do.''
CNET
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Nintendo Store Levels Up in San Francisco: A First Look Inside the Ultimate Fan Experience
Nintendo's newest retail experience opens today in San Francisco. It's a fun, retro retail extravaganza where decades of Nintendo's gaming history collide with sleek design, character cameos, interactive zones built for gaming joy and all the shopping you could ask for. Before the doors officially opened, we got a sneak peek inside Nintendo's newest retail destination in San Francisco. From larger-than-life characters to exclusive merch and immersive design touches, here's what fans can expect when they step inside the Mushroom Kingdom.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO Opens Its Doors to Bring Smiles to Guests of All Ages, Near and Far
Starting Today, Fans and Visitors in San Francisco Can Enjoy a Shopping Experience Immersed in the World of Nintendo's Iconic Characters REDMOND, Wash., May 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Nintendo welcomed its first guests to Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO – its second official store in the United States – with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony led by Nintendo of America President and Chief Operating Officer Doug Bowser. Located in San Francisco's iconic Union Square at 331 Powell Street, Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO offers an immersive shopping experience designed to deliver smiles to visitors from all over. In addition to game systems and games, guests at Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO can discover exclusive products including accessories, apparel and home goods. More than just a store, Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO is a fun place to explore – whether you are local or visiting the area. Read below for more information on Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO and the opening day festivities: Nintendo of America President and Chief Operating Officer Doug Bowser led the ribbon cutting ceremony, where he was joined by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. Saying a few words just before cutting the ribbon, Doug Bowser thanked the mayor and the city of San Francisco for a warm welcome into the community and likewise extended a welcome to fans and visitors of all ages to Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO. Those in the crowd of enthusiastic fans and special guests also experienced a surprise appearance by the Mushroom Kingdom's own Mario. Photos from the event as well as images and video of Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO can be found on the official @NintendoStoreUS pages on X and Instagram. You can also visit the official Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO site or download the new Nintendo Today! smart device app for additional details and information. Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO features two stories of merchandise from the Mushroom Kingdom to Inkopolis and beyond. Here are some of the things visitors can do when they visit the store: Explore Nintendo Store Branded Merchandise – The Nintendo collection features special multi-character artwork products including statue replicas, stationery items, and bags, as well as exclusive Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO-branded apparel. Discover A Wide Variety of Nintendo Products – Find apparel, home goods, toys and more (many only available at Nintendo stores) inspired by Nintendo game series, including: Super Mario – Shop colorful goods inspired by Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom including blankets, kitchen canisters and apparel. Animal Crossing – Bring the tranquil feeling of island life home with a wide variety of themed products, like tote bags, drinkware and loungewear for use in your daily life. Splatoon – Stay fresh with the latest Splatsville gear, such as Aloha shirts and a backpack designed to look like your own ink tank! The Legend of Zelda – It's dangerous to go alone, so join Link in your Hyrule Kingdom adventure, as you collect Korok-themed drinkware and Nintendo stores' exclusive Triforce-themed clothing. Pikmin – Uncover merchandise that invites Pikmin, mysterious plantlike creatures, to be a part of your everyday life with Pikmin-inspired vases and desk accessories. Pokémon – Journey to the Pokémon section where you'll find plush toys and collectible figures for Trainers of all ages. Even more merchandise featuring Kirby, Metroid and other Nintendo game series! Snap a Photo – While exploring the store, keep an eye out for larger-than-life statues of Nintendo characters from franchises like Super Mario, Splatoon, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon and more. Customize a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model System – The hardware customization kiosk display lets you create your very own customized Nintendo Switch – OLED Model system. Choose from different Joy-Con, wrist strap and dock colors for a customized system that will be ready for you to take home the same day. Play Nintendo Switch Games – Demo stations are available to dive into your favorite games on the Nintendo Switch system or discover new ones. You also have an opportunity to play on a giant gaming screen located on the lower level, which will also be used to air future Nintendo Direct livestreams, so you can tune in with other fans. Earn My Nintendo Rewards - Once inside, be sure to check in at the My Nintendo kiosk with your Nintendo Account information* to get an exclusive sticker for visiting Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO, plus 50 My Nintendo Platinum Points. Warp Pipe Pass reservations** are required for entry today through May 18 and for select dates following the grand opening. Warp Pipe Passes are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit: And don't forget to keep checking the @NintendoStoreUS pages on X and Instagram, which also serve as the source for the latest news on events, products and more at both Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO and Nintendo NEW YORK, the Nintendo Today! smart-device app*** and Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO site for news, photos, and updates. The ribbon has been cut, the doors have been opened, but the adventure is just beginning at Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO! * A Nintendo Account is required to receive and redeem points. Terms apply: ** A Nintendo Account is required to register for a Warp Pipe Pass. Terms apply. More information available here: *** Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required. Not available in all countries. Internet and compatible smart device required to use app. Data charges may apply. Terms apply. About Nintendo: Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, has created franchises that have become household names worldwide, including Mario™, Donkey Kong™, The Legend of Zelda™, Metroid™, Pokémon™, Animal Crossing™, Pikmin™ and Splatoon™, through its integrated hardware and software products. Nintendo aims to deliver unique, intuitive entertainment experiences for everyone, manufacturing and marketing video game devices such as the Nintendo Switch™ family of systems, developing and operating applications for smart devices, and collaborating with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like visual content and theme parks. Nintendo has sold more than 5.9 billion video games and over 860 million hardware units globally. From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System™ more than 30 years ago, through today and into the future, Nintendo's continuing mission is to create unique entertainment that puts smiles on the faces of people all over the world. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site. View source version on Contacts GOLINKody Kantor213-335-5497kkantor@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO Opens Its Doors to Bring Smiles to Guests of All Ages, Near and Far
REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Nintendo welcomed its first guests to Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO – its second official store in the United States – with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony led by Nintendo of America President and Chief Operating Officer Doug Bowser. Located in San Francisco's iconic Union Square at 331 Powell Street, Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO offers an immersive shopping experience designed to deliver smiles to visitors from all over. In addition to game systems and games, guests at Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO can discover exclusive products including accessories, apparel and home goods. More than just a store, Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO is a fun place to explore – whether you are local or visiting the area. Read below for more information on Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO and the opening day festivities: Nintendo of America President and Chief Operating Officer Doug Bowser led the ribbon cutting ceremony, where he was joined by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. Saying a few words just before cutting the ribbon, Doug Bowser thanked the mayor and the city of San Francisco for a warm welcome into the community and likewise extended a welcome to fans and visitors of all ages to Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO. Those in the crowd of enthusiastic fans and special guests also experienced a surprise appearance by the Mushroom Kingdom's own Mario. Photos from the event as well as images and video of Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO can be found on the official @NintendoStoreUS pages on X and Instagram. You can also visit the official Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO site or download the new Nintendo Today! smart device app for additional details and information. Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO features two stories of merchandise from the Mushroom Kingdom to Inkopolis and beyond. Here are some of the things visitors can do when they visit the store: Explore Nintendo Store Branded Merchandise – The Nintendo collection features special multi-character artwork products including statue replicas, stationery items, and bags, as well as exclusive Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO-branded apparel. Discover A Wide Variety of Nintendo Products – Find apparel, home goods, toys and more (many only available at Nintendo stores) inspired by Nintendo game series, including: Super Mario – Shop colorful goods inspired by Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom including blankets, kitchen canisters and apparel. Animal Crossing – Bring the tranquil feeling of island life home with a wide variety of themed products, like tote bags, drinkware and loungewear for use in your daily life. Splatoon – Stay fresh with the latest Splatsville gear, such as Aloha shirts and a backpack designed to look like your own ink tank! The Legend of Zelda – It's dangerous to go alone, so join Link in your Hyrule Kingdom adventure, as you collect Korok-themed drinkware and Nintendo stores' exclusive Triforce-themed clothing. Pikmin – Uncover merchandise that invites Pikmin, mysterious plantlike creatures, to be a part of your everyday life with Pikmin-inspired vases and desk accessories. Pokémon – Journey to the Pokémon section where you'll find plush toys and collectible figures for Trainers of all ages. Even more merchandise featuring Kirby, Metroid and other Nintendo game series! Snap a Photo – While exploring the store, keep an eye out for larger-than-life statues of Nintendo characters from franchises like Super Mario, Splatoon, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon and more. Customize a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model System – The hardware customization kiosk display lets you create your very own customized Nintendo Switch – OLED Model system. Choose from different Joy-Con, wrist strap and dock colors for a customized system that will be ready for you to take home the same day. Play Nintendo Switch Games – Demo stations are available to dive into your favorite games on the Nintendo Switch system or discover new ones. You also have an opportunity to play on a giant gaming screen located on the lower level, which will also be used to air future Nintendo Direct livestreams, so you can tune in with other fans. Earn My Nintendo Rewards - Once inside, be sure to check in at the My Nintendo kiosk with your Nintendo Account information* to get an exclusive sticker for visiting Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO, plus 50 My Nintendo Platinum Points. Warp Pipe Pass reservations** are required for entry today through May 18 and for select dates following the grand opening. Warp Pipe Passes are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit: And don't forget to keep checking the @NintendoStoreUS pages on X and Instagram, which also serve as the source for the latest news on events, products and more at both Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO and Nintendo NEW YORK, the Nintendo Today! smart-device app*** and Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO site for news, photos, and updates. The ribbon has been cut, the doors have been opened, but the adventure is just beginning at Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO! * A Nintendo Account is required to receive and redeem points. Terms apply: ** A Nintendo Account is required to register for a Warp Pipe Pass. Terms apply. More information available here: *** Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required. Not available in all countries. Internet and compatible smart device required to use app. Data charges may apply. Terms apply. About Nintendo: Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, has created franchises that have become household names worldwide, including Mario ™, Donkey Kong ™, The Legend of Zelda ™, Metroid ™, Pokémon ™, Animal Crossing ™, Pikmin ™ and Splatoon ™, through its integrated hardware and software products. Nintendo aims to deliver unique, intuitive entertainment experiences for everyone, manufacturing and marketing video game devices such as the Nintendo Switch ™ family of systems, developing and operating applications for smart devices, and collaborating with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like visual content and theme parks. Nintendo has sold more than 5.9 billion video games and over 860 million hardware units globally. From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System ™ more than 30 years ago, through today and into the future, Nintendo's continuing mission is to create unique entertainment that puts smiles on the faces of people all over the world. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
It's-a Mario Day! Celebrating the world's favorite plumber
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Mar 10 isn't just another day; it's National Mario Day, a celebration of the world's most famous pixelated plumber. Since his first appearance in 1981's Donkey Kong, Mario has been jumping, stomping, and rescuing princesses for over 40 years. Whether players first met him in an 8-bit world or are racing him down Rainbow Road today, one thing is certain: Mario isn't just a game; he's a legend. Before he was the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario had a different gig. He started out as a Jumpman in Donkey Kong, battling a very grumpy gorilla to rescue his girlfriend. Two years later, Nintendo rebranded him, swapping out his carpenter's overalls for a plumber's toolkit, giving him a brother named Luigi, and launching him into a new adventure. Since then, Mario has been everywhere, starring in classic side-scrollers, sports games, RPGs, and even space-themed adventures. Whether dodging Bob bombs, throwing bananas at Bowser, or making a splash in last year's Super Mario Bros. movie, Mario remains one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in gaming history. To see just how popular Mario still is, we spoke with Tony Sanders, owner of Retro Hall & Funko Mood, a local gaming store dedicated to nostalgia. If anyone thinks Mario is just for longtime gamers, Sanders says that's far from the truth. 'We can't even keep Mario games in stock,' Sanders said. 'Kids today love Mario just as much as people in their 60s who grew up with him.' That blend of nostalgia and accessibility is what keeps Mario at the top of the gaming charts. With over 210 million copies of Mario games sold, his legacy remains unmatched. When it comes to the most sought-after Mario games, Sanders didn't hesitate. Super Mario Bros. 3 – 'A love-hate relationship, but it's a classic.' Paper Mario – A fan-favorite, story-driven adventure. Super Mario 64 – The game that defined 3D platforming. One exception? Mario Paint. 'That one's a little different…people don't always want to track down the mouse pad,' Sanders said with a laugh. Over the decades, Mario has evolved with updated graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and even a voice in later games. 'I'm glad they finally gave him a voice,' Sanders said. 'That was kind of neat.' But will Mario still be a household name 20 or 30 years from now? 'Absolutely,' Sanders said. 'They could remaster one or two, but Mario's never going away.' National Mario Day isn't just about a video game- it's about the memories players have made along the way. Whether it was leaving an NES on overnight because there were no save points, battling siblings for controller time, or discovering Mario for the first time in a modern remake, the joy remains the same. Mario isn't just a character: he's an era, a tradition, and an adventure that continues to grow with every generation. So, on March 10, grab a controller, dust off an old console, or fire up the latest Mario game because some things never go out of style. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
