'Super Mario Run' will be out for Android in March
Now, Android users can complain about the always-online requirement as well.
Super Mario Run, Nintendo's first real foray into mobile gaming, will finally make its way to Android devices in March 2017. This follows the game's Dec. 15, 2016 launch on iOS.
The iOS version of the game was relatively well-received, though it drew criticism for its always-online requirement and minimal amount of no-cost play before a $10 buy-in was required. The Android release -- which already has a Google Play store page -- appears to be identical.
Super Mario Run injects the side-scrolling jumping-and-coin collecting of Nintendo's beloved series with the gameplay trappings of the more mobile-friendly "endless runner" genre. Mario constantly runs from left to right, with players tapping and swiping the screen to avoid obstacles and cross deadly drops.
The first "world" in the game -- meaning levels 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 -- are completely free, as is 30 seconds of the first boss castle, level 1-4. You can play as much as you like within those constraints, but progressing any further requires a purchase.
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Super Mario Run is technically Nintendo's second mobile release. Miitomo -- which is functionally a Nintendo-themed social network -- launched in March 2016, and was the company's first mobile effort.
Up next for Nintendo is Fire Emblem Heroes, a free-to-play tactical strategy game based on the long-running RPG series. That game, which launches on Feb. 2, will technically be Nintendo's first for Android, with Super Mario Run following a month later.
There isn't a specific launch date yet for the Android version of Run, but you can sign up for notifications on the game's store page.
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Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
