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Mario & Wario: Lost Super Famicom Classic Lands on Nintendo Switch

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Mario blindly walks forward as Wanda the fairy guides him in Mario & Wario.

In a landmark moment for retro gaming enthusiasts, the long-lost Super Famicom classic Mario & Wario officially launched in the United States and other Western territories for the first time via Nintendo Switch Online. Originally released exclusively in Japan in 1993, this unique puzzle-platformer has been a sought-after piece of Nintendo history for decades, and its arrival finally makes the game accessible to a global audience.

Developed by the legendary studio Game Freak, Mario & Wario stands as a fascinating and quirky chapter in the Super Mario saga, offering a challenge that is as unique today as it was nearly three decades ago.

Gameplay: A Guiding Hand for a Blindfolded Hero

The premise of Mario & Wario is delightfully chaotic. The perpetually mischievous Wario, in a classic fit of villainy, has dropped buckets, pots, and other objects onto Mario's head, completely blinding him. Unable to see, Mario walks forward relentlessly, marching directly toward peril.

Players don't control Mario directly. Instead, they take on the role of Wanda, a helpful fairy, using a cursor to guide the sightless hero to safety. Wanda’s mission is to manipulate the environment, place blocks, defeat enemies, and clear a path for Mario to reach Luigi at the end of each stage. The gameplay demands quick reflexes and clever puzzle-solving, creating a tense and rewarding experience as Mario inches ever closer to a dangerous ledge or wandering enemy.

From the Minds Behind Pokémon: Game Freak's Hidden Gem

One of the most significant aspects of Mario & Wario's history is its developer: Game Freak. Years before the studio became a global phenomenon with the creation of the Pokémon franchise, it was crafting innovative titles like this one. The game showcases the studio's early creative spirit and design ingenuity. Adding to the historical connection, the game’s catchy and memorable soundtrack was composed by Junichi Masuda, who would later become the celebrated composer and director for the Pokémon series. For fans, playing Mario & Wario offers a rare and valuable look into the creative roots of one of gaming's most important studios.

How to Play the Super Famicom Mouse Classic on Switch

Mario & Wario was originally designed for the Super Famicom Mouse, a niche accessory that was essential for the game's precise, pointer-based gameplay. This reliance on a unique peripheral is a key reason it remained a cult classic.

Nintendo has faithfully adapted this control scheme for the Switch. Players have two excellent options to replicate the original experience:

  • Touch Screen: In handheld mode, players can use the Switch's touch screen to directly guide Wanda's cursor, offering an intuitive and accurate way to play.
  • Joy-Con Pointer: When playing in docked mode, the right Joy-Con's motion controls can be used as a pointer, mimicking the feel of the original mouse.

For years, fans speculated why a game that already featured English text in its original 1993 Japanese release never made its way West. Its belated arrival on Nintendo Switch Online finally closes that chapter, allowing players worldwide to experience it without language barriers.

The Full Wave of Retro Additions

Mario & Wario arrived as part of a larger drop of classic titles for the service, expanding the libraries for subscribers. The other games included in this update were:

  • BUBSY in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind (SNES): The original adventure of the wise-cracking bobcat, Bubsy. Known for its fast-paced platforming and 90s attitude, this title drops players into vibrant levels filled with enemies and collectibles.
  • FATAL FURY SPECIAL (Neo Geo): A celebrated entry in the classic fighting game series, Fatal Fury Special brought its intense, refined combat to the service. With a roster of iconic characters and deep mechanics, it remains a rewarding challenge for fighting game fans.

How to Access Mario & Wario on Nintendo Switch Online

To play Mario & Wario and Bubsy, you will need a standard Nintendo Switch Online membership. This base subscription grants access to the full libraries of Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and Game Boy titles.

Once subscribed, simply open the "Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online" application on your console. The new games will appear in the library, ready to be played instantly. The Neo Geo title, Fatal Fury Special, requires the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier.

Why This Release Matters

The arrival of Mario & Wario in the West is more than just another game on a subscription service—it represents a significant moment for game preservation.

  • Historical Access: It brings a vital piece of gaming history, previously confined to Japan and import collectors, into the global spotlight.
  • Developer Insight: It provides a playable look at Game Freak's pre-Pokémon portfolio, offering crucial context for their monumental success.
  • Accessibility: It makes a niche, mouse-controlled game easily playable on modern hardware for the very first time for millions of players.

As Nintendo continues to dig into its archives, the release of Mario & Wario serves as a hopeful sign that more regional exclusives and hidden gems will be preserved and shared with the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Mario & Wario?Mario & Wario is a 1993 puzzle-platformer developed by Game Freak for the Super Famicom. Players control a fairy named Wanda, who must guide a blindfolded Mario safely through obstacle-filled levels.

How do I play Mario & Wario on Switch?You need a standard Nintendo Switch Online membership. Once subscribed, open the "Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online" app on your Switch, where Mario & Wario will be available in the game library.

Was Mario & Wario ever released in the US before?No, its launch on Nintendo Switch Online marked the first-ever official release of Mario & Wario in the United States and other Western regions, over three decades after its Japanese debut.

What other games were added to Nintendo Switch Online alongside Mario & Wario?Two other classic titles were added at the same time: BUBSY in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind for the SNES library and FATAL FURY SPECIAL for the Neo Geo library (which requires the Expansion Pack tier).