Special Mario Edition Nintendo Wii to be Released Next Month

A couple of weeks ago, we talked about a special Japan-only Nintendo Wii bundle that was being released to help celebrate Mario’s 25th anniversary, and well, if you were disappointed at the exclusivity there, this news might cheer you up. Either Nintendo had a change of heart, of the demand was just too high, but sure enough, we’ll be seeing a red Nintendo Wii on these shores in the coming weeks, bundled with New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Wii Sports.

In addition to the games, the console also includes a red Wiimote and nunchuk accessory, which puts the console on par with the version released in Japan. There is a difference, though. While the version in Japan includes a slightly modified version of Super Mario Bros. (the original), the North American version doesn’t. Fortunately, the only difference there seems to be a “25” added to gold blocks rather than “??”. Quite minor.

For those who wanted to experience some classic Mario action, and don’t already own 10 re-release copies that have been put out over the years, the company is releasing a “limited edition” version of Super Mario All Stars for the Wii, including four popular classic Mario titles.

Those include Super Mario Bros. 1, 2 and 3, along with Super Mario: The Lost Levels, which is the Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2. In addition, the compilation also includes a history of Mario soundtrack CD, and also interviews and art. This bundle will be sold for $30, which to be honest is absurdly high given that it’s just a re-release of a bundle that had re-released games, but if you still don’t own these classics, they’re well worth the admission fee.

The special Wii console will be released on November 7, while the All Stars game will come later, on December 12.

Mario is all but synonymous with Nintendo. It’s difficult to think of one without thinking of the other. Super Mario Bros. contains a magical blend of characters, graphics, challenges, music and action that still captivates players today. The original game sold 40.24 million units worldwide, and remains one of the best-known, best-loved video games in the world. It popularized the side-scrolling format and established elements of the Mushroom Kingdom that are still used in today’s Mario games. Super Mario Bros. frequently appears on lists of the best games of all time.