A Decades-Long Wait Ends: Game Freak’s Pre-Pokémon Mario & Wario Arrives Stateside

Unearthing a Hidden Gem: Mario & Wario`s Grand Debut

For over three decades, Mario & Wario remained a curiosity, locked away in the annals of Japanese gaming history. Developed by Game Freak in their pre-Pokémon era, this unique puzzle-platformer tasks players with a rather peculiar predicament for the iconic plumber. Wario, ever the mischief-maker, has encased Mario`s head in a bucket, rendering him effectively blind to the treacherous paths ahead.

This is where the player steps in, not as Mario himself, but as a benevolent forest fairy named Wanda. Your mission? To guide the hapless Mario through 100 levels of intricate obstacles by manipulating the environment, strategically removing blocks, and paving a safe, if somewhat indirect, path to the finish line. The game`s innovative design originally demanded mouse controls – a rather uncommon peripheral for the SNES. Nintendo has cleverly adapted this for the modern era, allowing Switch players to utilize a Joy-Con held on its side as a substitute for the traditional mouse, ensuring the original gameplay integrity remains intact.

Before Pokémon: Game Freak`s Early Foray

The developer behind Mario & Wario, Game Freak, is now synonymous with the global sensation that is Pokémon. It`s a testament to the studio`s early versatility and creative spark that, long before pocket monsters became a household name, they were crafting charming, innovative titles for Nintendo`s 16-bit powerhouse. Imagining the same minds that would later give us Pikachu and Charizard working on a Mario puzzle game involving fairies and buckets provides a fascinating glimpse into their diverse origins. It’s almost as if they were practicing their world-building skills, albeit on a slightly smaller, bucket-related scale.

The fact that Mario & Wario, despite its Japan-exclusive status, always featured English text is a curious footnote in gaming history. It suggests a potential international release was considered, perhaps even planned, before fate or market conditions intervened. Its belated Western debut on Nintendo Switch Online finally grants English-speaking audiences the opportunity to experience this unique chapter of both Mario`s and Game Freak`s past.

Nintendo Switch Online: A Digital Arcade of Yesteryear

The arrival of Mario & Wario underscores Nintendo Switch Online`s expanding role as a digital conservator of retro gaming. This service isn`t just about offering classic titles; it`s about making gaming history accessible and playable for a new generation, and for veteran players eager to revisit or finally discover these gems. The service continually updates its library, ensuring a steady stream of nostalgia and discovery.

Joining Mario & Wario in this latest update are two other noteworthy classics:

• Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind: A platformer infamous for its titular wise-cracking bobcat. For those who enjoy a challenge (and a healthy dose of retro charm), this is an opportunity to delve into a character that often sparks lively debate among platforming aficionados.
• Fatal Fury Special: A robust fighting game that builds upon its predecessors, offering an expanded roster and refined mechanics. Fans of classic arcade fighters will appreciate the chance to step into the ring with characters like Axel Hawk, who previously only appeared as a CPU boss.