Do you think Mario will always be around as long as Nintendo exists?

Of course. Why would Nintendo give its most valuable intellectual property?

Look at Mickey Mouse, Batman, Spider-Man, Superman & Bug Bunny. All still around after decades of existence. Both Los Angeles and Orlando are getting Super Nintendo World parks. A Mario animated feature coming from Universal\Comcast.

No doubt. Fo'sho. Link is gonna have to play second fiddle in that respect. Respekt!

Of course.

Nintendo will hold the rights to Mario as long as the company exists. Eventually, his original design will enter the public domain while Nintendo still exists just like Disney will still exist while the original design of Mickey Mouse enters the public domain in 2024,

sure thing

Most likely, even if Nintendo eventually goes the way of Sega and stops making consoles.

Mario is the face of Nintendo and a widely recognized mascot. Even people who aren't into gaming know who Mario is. He'll be associated with Nintendo for as long as Nintendo exists.

Hard to say. Crazier things have happened as marketing stunts. Look at Coke. They dropped their formula once and the public went in rage mode. They brought it back and have been number one ever since. Although many have said that was their plan all along.

Actually, I heard a rumor that Mario is retiring next week and will not be at E3.

Mario will outlive us all

Basically. Mario is the symbol of Nintendo. He is actually the logo