Some Of These New Mario Games Won't Be Available For Long

Nintendo released a surprise Direct detailing big plans for the 35th anniversary of its iconic mascot Mario. That included several game announcements--but in the case of a couple of the new games, you'll have to grab them before they're gone.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is only available for a limited time, through the end of March 2021. Nintendo calls the physical version "a limited production" and says it will be available "until approximately March 31, 2021," suggesting physical copies could sell out before that date. The time limit goes for both the retail run and digital versions, though, so after March 31 next year you won't even be able to find it on the eShop. The collection includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy--but conspicuously, no Galaxy 2.

Similarly, the battle royale Super Mario Bros. 35 will only be available through March 31, 2021. That game is coming October 1 as an exclusive for Nintendo Switch Online owners. The announcement specifies that it's only playable through that date, so even if you've downloaded the game it seems the servers will shut down at the end of March. Tetris 99, which is similar to Mario 35 as a battle royale take on a classic game, is also a Switch Online exclusive, and is still going strong with fairly regular updates and new tournaments.

A special Game & Watch system that plays the original Super Mario Bros. (with some special Easter eggs) is coming on November 13, and is also said to be a limited production. Finally, a set of Mario-themed pins that you can get through My Nintendo, by completing "missions" like buying Mario 3D All-Stars, are also only available while supplies last.

Nintendo did not announce further plans to bring any of the games or products back once they're gone.

Other announcements from the Mario Direct included a ton of in-game events celebrating the mascot and a Mario Kart game you play with actual toys. All those games add up, so you may want to start saving your coins now.