Nintendo has announced “My Mario,” a brand-new product line aimed at young children, featuring an array of merchandise, a free interactive app, and a series of adorable stop-motion animated shorts. The initiative, designed to be enjoyed by both parents and children, is set to launch in Japan on August 26, 2025, with select products arriving in international markets in 2026.
Introducing the ‘My Mario’ Collection
The “My Mario” range encompasses a diverse selection of items, moving beyond traditional video games to offer tangible and interactive experiences for Nintendo’s youngest enthusiasts. The collection emphasizes tactile play and engagement, allowing children to connect with the beloved Super Mario universe in new ways.
Wooden Block Sets with Amiibo Functionality
A highlight of the “My Mario” product line is the new series of wooden block sets. These sets include characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi, alongside iconic items from the Super Mario series. Designed for small hands, these blocks are sized and weighted for easy handling by young children. Notably, the character blocks also double as amiibo figures, allowing them to be used in compatible games, providing a unique blend of physical and digital play. The sets will be available in 3-piece and 30-piece varieties.
Interactive Board Book and Digital App
Further expanding the interactive experience, Nintendo is releasing “Hello, Mario!”, a board book that encourages parent-child interaction by allowing children to open Mario’s mouth or turn his face. Complementing this, a free “Hello, Mario!” app will be available for smart devices and Nintendo Switch. This intuitive app lets users interact with Mario’s face on screen, with Mario reacting in various ways to their inputs, fostering shared playtime.
Apparel, Plush, and General Goods
Beyond the core interactive products, the “My Mario” line will include a wide array of apparel, general goods, and plush toys. Partner companies like Bandai and Happinet are contributing to the collection with items such as Mario-themed hoodies, rompers, t-shirts, backpacks, tableware, soft plushes for babies, rattles, and other hand-washable toys. The full initial range is expected to include 34 products.
‘It’s Me, Mario!’ Stop-Motion Shorts
A key component of the “My Mario” initiative is the accompanying series of one-minute stop-motion animated shorts titled “It’s Me, Mario!”. These free episodes will feature Mario showcasing a variety of expressions and movements, bringing the character to life through charming claymation. The shorts are designed to be short and engaging for young children and will be accessible on the official My Mario website and Nintendo’s YouTube channel starting August 26, 2025. This venture into stop-motion animation represents an interesting creative expansion of the Super Mario franchise, exploring different visual storytelling methods beyond the recent CGI movie adaptations.
Availability and Future Plans
The “My Mario” product line will first be available at Nintendo TOKYO, OSAKA, and KYOTO stores in Japan on August 26, 2025. Nintendo has confirmed plans to release select products from the “My Mario” series outside of Japan beginning in 2026. The company also stated that new products are planned to be added to the “My Mario” series in the future, signaling a long-term commitment to this new demographic. This strategic move by Nintendo aims to create a “series which parents and children can enjoy together,” strengthening the brand’s appeal across generations.
