As a dad of four kids ranging in age from 3 to 14, Mario games have been a staple in our house for years. My kids and I regularly play together, and the franchise is easily one of our family favorites. Many Mario titles even made our list of the Best Nintendo Switch Games For Kids, thanks to how easy they are for different ages to jump into together and the co-op play that often included four and even eight player fun.
That’s part of the reason Nintendo’s MAR10 Day celebration is such a fun one for families. This year’s event marks the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., and Nintendo is celebrating with special in-game events, retail discounts, family sweepstakes, and in-person appearances from Mario himself.
The festivities also come just ahead of the upcoming animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which arrives in theaters on April 1 and which I’m sure is among the top 2026 kids movies that gaming fans are eager to see on opening night. Together, the anniversary and the movie release are turning MAR10 Day into a multi-week celebration for longtime fans and new players alike.
Families who grew up with Mario on classic systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or newer platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 will find plenty of ways to join the celebration.
I’ve included all of the major celebrations that Nintendo has in store this year and there is A LOT going on.
Revisit Classic Mario Games
Subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online can revisit several classic Mario titles spanning multiple generations of Nintendo systems, including games originally released on the Super NES, Game Boy, and NES.
On March 10, players with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership will also be able to play the Game Boy Advance title Mario vs. Donkey Kong. Additional retro experiences will include the Virtual Boy games Mario Clash and Mario’s Tennis, giving fans a chance to explore lesser-known moments from Mario’s history. For my kids, it will be a new experience, for me it will be a blast from my entire childhood past.
Join Special Mario Kart World Events
Nintendo Switch Online members can also participate in the Mario Kart World My Nintendo Open Series, a weekly set of online racing events happening throughout the month.
Players who participate in any of the three in-game competitions can earn 310 My Nintendo Platinum Points simply for taking part. Those who are not currently subscribers can start a free seven-day Nintendo Switch Online trial, available once per account after January 12, 2026.
Save On Mario Games During The MAR10 Celebration
Nintendo is also offering several limited-time game deals so families can jump into Mario adventures together. Even if you already own these games, it could be a great opportunity to pick up some gifts for friends and family.
From March 8 through March 14, select retailers, including official Nintendo U.S. stores, will discount several physical Nintendo Switch games while supplies last. Featured titles include:
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury – $39.99
Super Mario Odyssey – $39.99
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV – $59.99
If you’ve been waiting to purchase Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, this will be the first opportunity to buy it on sale.
Digital deals are also available. Through March 15, the My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop are offering discounts on titles such as:
Mario vs. Donkey Kong – $39.99
Super Mario Maker 2 – $39.99
A full list of MAR10 Day promotions is available through Nintendo’s Mario portal.
Get Ready for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The MAR10 Day celebration also builds excitement for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, an animated adventure from Illumination and Nintendo that premieres in theaters on April 1.
The film features Mario and Luigi alongside familiar characters such as Yoshi and Princess Rosalina. Players interested in Rosalina’s story can revisit her origins in the games Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, which also receive a free enhancement update on Nintendo Switch 2.
Enter the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Sweepstakes
Families can also enter a My Nintendo sweepstakes for the chance to win a theme park vacation for four to visit SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
The winner can choose between two destinations:
- Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles
- Universal Orlando Resort in Florida
Entries are open now through May 31.
Mario Meet-and-Greets and In-Store Events
Fans who want to celebrate in person will also have opportunities to do so at Nintendo NEW YORK and Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO, where visitors can meet Mario during special MAR10 Day events.
Additional retail demos will be hosted at select Walmart locations on March 8, giving players a chance to try Mario games before buying.
Lunchables Partnership Promotion
Nintendo has also partnered with Lunchables to promote several upcoming and current games. Special Lunchables packages will feature titles such as Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Each participating package will include a QR code that can be scanned for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a digital game download. This promotion runs through May 31.
A Celebration Families Can Enjoy Together
With discounts on games, competitive online races, sweepstakes opportunities, and real-world events, Nintendo is turning MAR10 Day into a celebration that extends well beyond March 10 itself.
For parents like me who grew up with Mario and now share those games with their kids, it’s a fun reminder that some of the best family game nights are the ones where everyone grabs a controller and jumps into the same adventure together.
In anticipation of the upcoming Mar10 Day celebration, I’ll do my part by continuing to enjoy family gaming time with the best Nintendo Switch Co-Op games for kids, at least based on what my kids have deemed to be among the best.