The Super Mario Bros. Movie has become a massive hit, even more popular than the games themselves. Now, with The Mario Galaxy Movie in the works, it seems like movies might be the first way many new fans meet Mario. So, what does Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, think about this shift? It’s something he has hoped for during Mario’s return to cinema.
Miyamoto recently shared his views in an interview with Polygon. He noted, “Mario has evolved with digital media.” He sees the growing importance of platforms like streaming as a chance to reach even more fans. “We can only reach so many people through Nintendo consoles. But with technology changing, we can get Mario engaged in new ways.”
Nintendo is also branching out with other projects. They’ve announced a live-action Zelda movie and are releasing short animated clips for Mario and Pikmin. This hints at Nintendo’s goal to move beyond just gaming hardware and capture audiences in fresh ways. I previously wondered if Nintendo might one day launch its own media streaming service, imagining a platform designed by their game developers.
This shift is timely. The console market appears to be hitting a ceiling. Devices like the Switch and PS5 have maxed out their reach, and new generations are not doing much better than their predecessors. To adapt to this reality, many gaming companies, including Nintendo, are focusing on projects that span multiple types of media.
“We want to expand beyond just Nintendo consoles,” said Miyamoto. “We hope people will think, ‘What kind of world will Nintendo create next?’ rather than just asking about new games.”
While a Smash Bros. cinematic universe isn’t on the horizon just yet, it’s evident that Nintendo views itself as more than just a video game company. So far, most of their new stories have started with consoles. It will be interesting to see if the next big Nintendo franchise debuts on the Switch 2, or if it emerges first through streaming or another medium.
Interestingly, recent trends show that many viewers value animated adaptations of their favorite games. A survey by IMG revealed that 78% of gamers would be excited to see more video game characters in movies or shows. This points towards a growing demand for transmedia storytelling, providing an even richer experience for fans.
As we look at these changes, it’s clear that the lines between gaming and entertainment are blurring. Characters like Mario are no longer just icons of gaming—they’re becoming part of a larger narrative world that appeals to everyone.
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