Nintendo’s ride on the wave of success is showing no signs of slowing down. Recently announced during an engaging Nintendo Direct session, the gaming giant is spicing things up with a fiery hue, launching the Nintendo Switch OLED: Mario Red Edition.
Releasing on October 6 and available for pre-order now at $350, the new edition is a tantalizing tribute to everyone’s beloved Italian-American plumber, Mario.
Embellished in a dazzling red – the signature color of Mario himself – the console, dock, and Joy-Con controllers boast an aesthetic appeal that commands attention. But it’s not just a superficial redesign; Nintendo has gone the extra mile with hidden coins and a Mario silhouette, notably on the back of the console and dock. These tiny, thoughtful additions are Easter eggs, complementing the red ensemble. If you’re looking for an accessory to go with your gaming rig that screams ‘Mario’ in a subtle yet unmistakable manner, this could be your jam.
Warp into a world of games with the #NintendoSwitch – OLED Model: Mario Red Edition system!
The system features a console, dock, and Joy-Con controllers all in the iconic Mario Red color, with a silhouette of Mario on the back of the dock.
Learn more: https://t.co/sGAG1rfH4p pic.twitter.com/giOAawtDWI
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 31, 2023
Contrary to the elaborate Zelda-style Switch for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the Mario Red Edition has a subtler approach to game-specific design. The dock and Joy-Cons aren’t patterned extravagantly; instead, they keep it simple and attractive with the bold red shade. It’s a design choice that may resonate with players who love the color but aren’t particularly invested in Super Mario branding. And let’s face it – red is such a universally appealing color that even if you’re indifferent to Mario, this edition may still catch your eye.
The console hits the market just ahead of the release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a brand-new 2D platformer that will feature Mario and his regular ensemble – Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Daisy. Slated to launch on October 20, the game introduces an array of new features including the Wonder Flower, which alters each stage in unique ways, and new power-ups like one that transforms Mario into an elephant. But don’t expect a bundle; Nintendo has clarified that the Mario Red Edition won’t include the game, which makes sense given the staggered release dates.
While Nintendo has shown no reluctance in rolling out special editions of its consoles – previous editions were themed around Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Splatoon 3, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet – the release of this Mario Red Edition OLED Switch has a distinctive aura. It’s both a celebration of Mario’s universe, coinciding with the launch of the theme park and movie releases, and a move that adds a dash of excitement to the existing OLED lineup. That lineup, which initially launched in 2021, was already a leap over its 2017 predecessor, featuring a larger OLED screen and a sturdier kickstand.
And let’s not overlook the timing. Nintendo’s strategic launch schedule plants the Mario Red Edition right into a thriving market, as lifetime sales of the Switch have reached a staggering 129.53 million units as of mid-way this year. Even if the brand faces competition from devices like the Steam Deck and Sony’s upcoming PlayStation Portal, the Nintendo Switch OLED has carved out its own niche. The release of this special edition appears to be designed to sustain the momentum, especially with rumors of a potential new Switch – a “Switch 2,” if you will – already circulating for a possible release next year.
Whether you’re a Mario die-hard, a Switch enthusiast, or someone who loves the color red, the Mario Red Edition offers a unique blend of branding, design, and gameplay that stands as a testament to Nintendo’s ability to keep things fresh.
With its subtle Mario motifs and rich, eye-catching color, it encapsulates what makes the Nintendo ecosystem engaging – a mix of nostalgia, innovation, and that irreplaceable Nintendo magic.
