Mario Advance update

Nintendo has released several new screenshots from Mario Advance on its Japanese Web site. The screens highlight the four-player battle mode and some of the single-player levels. Players can compete in the battle mode by linking up their Game Boy Advance units using the link cable--only one Mario Advance cartridge is needed. In this mode, the first player to collect five coins wins the battle. The game will also keep track of win-loss records in each session.

In the regular single-player game, which is based on Super Mario Bros. 2, players will have the opportunity to control one of four characters: Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad. Each of the four characters has his or her own strengths and weaknesses. For example, Luigi can jump the highest, Toad is the strongest, Peach can fly momentarily, and Mario has all-around skills.

Mario Advance will be a launch game when the Game Boy Advance is released in Japan on March 21. There has been no official word at this time on whether Mario Advance will launch alongside the North American GBA on June 11, but that remains a likely possibility.