It’s hard to believe, but gaming’s most iconic mascot just turned 40. What started as a pixelated plumber in Donkey Kong has since evolved into a global phenomenon, and Nintendo is making sure Mario’s milestone birthday doesn’t go unnoticed.

While fans everywhere are celebrating with nostalgia and throwbacks to classic Mario moments, Nintendo is using the occasion to launch a fresh wave of Mario magic across games, movies, and merchandise.

One of the biggest surprises is the official reveal of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, set to hit theaters in April 2026. It promises to bring the gravity-bending magic of the Galaxy games to the big screen, with returning voice actors and a tone that blends adventure with Nintendo’s signature charm.

But that’s not all. Both Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 are being re-released for the Nintendo Switch family, including the upcoming Switch 2. Expect sharper visuals (up to 4K where supported), updated controls with motion or sticks, and a modernized interface. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, these ports are a perfect excuse to revisit the epic space-bending platformers.

To round things out, Nintendo also announced two brand-new titles: Mario Tennis Fever, a new spin on the fan-favorite sports series coming in early 2026, and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a whimsical platformer starring everyone’s favorite dino.

Collectors and lore lovers can also look forward to physical extras, like a special Super Mario Galaxy storybook and themed Amiibo figures that tie into the re-releases.

After four decades of Goomba-stomping, shell-throwing, and princess-saving, Mario shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, the next chapter might just be his most exciting yet.