Nintendo Launches Free 'Hello, Mario!' App to Cultivate Youngest Demographics

Nintendo initiated the release of its free interactive application, titled "Hello, Mario!," across Western markets on February 19, 2026. The digital offering is specifically tailored for the youngest demographic, enabling interaction with iconic elements from the Super Mario Bros. universe, such as stretching or twisting Mario's mustache. The application is currently available on major app stores for both iOS and Android platforms, as well as on the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2 console, which debuted in June 2025.

This digital release is a central component of the larger 'My Mario' collection, a comprehensive initiative intended to establish an early childhood ecosystem centered on the Mushroom Kingdom characters. The collection, which first appeared in Japan on August 26, also incorporates physical products developed through partnerships with established toy manufacturers, including Fisher-Price, TOMY, and Mattel. These physical offerings range from wooden block sets and plush toys to rattles, bath toys, and infant and toddler apparel, all designed to inspire imaginative play between children and their caregivers.

Functionality within the application includes interactive elements beyond facial manipulation, allowing users to engage with objects like Super Stars, pipes, and mushrooms, alongside a surprise peek-a-boo game that may reveal a Boo ghost. A key feature addressing parental concerns regarding screen time is the mandatory sleep timer implemented within the application. Furthermore, the design prioritizes safety and accessibility by operating without requiring a constant internet connection, setting it apart from many contemporary mobile applications.

The 'My Mario' line signals a deliberate expansion of Nintendo's demographic targeting, moving beyond the core and adult gamer segments that fueled the success of the Switch successor launched in June 2025. This focused effort on the youngest consumers, which includes stop-motion short films on the Play Nintendo website and YouTube channel, aims to build a multi-generational consumer base by introducing figures like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach to infants and toddlers, some as young as 18 months old. The digital component, available February 19, 2026, aligns with Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa's stated commitment to putting smiles on the faces of everyone the company touches, fostering shared exploration and play between children and caregivers.