Every year, March 10th brings with it a wave of nostalgia, excitement, and, this time around, a sense of history. Mario Day 2026, or MAR10 Day as it’s affectionately known, has officially arrived, and Nintendo is pulling out all the stops to celebrate not just another year of its beloved mustachioed plumber, but the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. itself. This milestone has turned the annual celebration into a full-blown festival of deals, events, and surprises that’s captivating fans old and new across the globe.
According to 9to5Toys, Nintendo has launched a giant selection of Nintendo Switch game deals at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. Discounts reach up to 50% off on first-party classics, with physical titles such as Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Mario & Luigi: Brothership dropping to just $30 from their usual $60 price tag. Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury are both available for $40, and even the newly released Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition is down to $60 from $80. Digital deals abound as well, with titles like Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD seeing significant price cuts, and the wildest of them all—MARIO + RABBIDS SPARKS OF HOPE—is just $6, a staggering drop from its $60 retail price.
But it’s not just about the games. This year, Nintendo is using MAR10 Day to build anticipation for the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which is set to hit theaters on April 1, 2026. The final trailer, released on March 9, gives fans a taste of what’s to come, and the star power behind the film is nothing short of impressive. Donald Glover lends his voice to Yoshi, while Luis Guzman takes on the role of Wart. As Cosmic Book News reports, “It takes a lot of star power to save the galaxy,” and this movie is shaping up to be a centerpiece of the anniversary festivities.
Nintendo’s celebrations aren’t confined to the digital world. The company’s flagship stores in New York and San Francisco are hosting a week of Mario-themed activities, culminating in meet-and-photo opportunities with Mario himself on March 10—New York from 5 to 7 p.m., and San Francisco from 4 to 7 p.m. According to Cosmic Book News, these in-person events are complemented by a Mario Tennis Fever Tournament scheduled for March 14 at both locations. Registration for the tournament opened on March 9, and all participants are set to receive a special giveaway, adding a competitive twist to the festivities.
The party doesn’t stop there. Nintendo has also rolled out an in-store sweepstakes running from March 4 through May 31, with the grand prize being a family vacation to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando Resort. Fans can enter via the My Nintendo kiosk at participating stores, and for those unable to make the trip, there’s an online sweepstakes as well. The sweepstakes, as detailed by 9to5Toys, is open to all from now through May 31, offering a rare chance for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Mario beyond their screens.
Adding to the excitement, three new Nintendo Classics have been released for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers: Mario’s Tennis and Mario Clash from the Virtual Boy era, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong from the Game Boy Advance. These titles, available as of March 10, offer a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and a history lesson for newcomers, highlighting the franchise’s enduring appeal and evolution.
Physical merchandise hasn’t been left out either. LEGO enthusiasts can snag a variety of Nintendo sets at discounted prices, including the LEGO Super Mario World – Mario & Yoshi set for $104 (down from $130), and other expansions like Rambi The Rhino and Captain Toad’s Camp at similarly enticing discounts. While LEGO hasn’t announced an official Super Mario sale this year, the deals currently available are enough to get collectors and builders excited.
Tech-savvy fans have something to cheer about too. Samsung’s Switch 2-compatible 256GB Mario-themed Express microSD card is on sale for $39, a 35% discount that matches the lowest price tracked by 9to5Toys. For anyone looking to expand their Switch library without worrying about storage, it’s a timely offer that fits perfectly with the spirit of MAR10 Day.
This year’s celebration is also resonating deeply with the maker and DIY community. As highlighted by Adafruit Daily, makers are celebrating Mario Day by hacking, modding, 3D-printing, and playing Mario-themed projects. The Electronics Show and Tell event, held every Wednesday at 7:30pm ET on YouTube and Discord, invites fans to share their creations, further cementing Mario’s status as a cultural touchstone that inspires creativity well beyond video games.
The significance of Mario Day goes far beyond the discounts and events. As NotebookCheck explains, “Mario Day matters because it represents more than just a single character or game series. It reflects the history of Nintendo and the evolution of video gaming itself.” For many, Mario was their introduction to gaming, and the franchise has helped define genres from platformers to party games. The 40th anniversary is not just a celebration of a character, but of the community that has grown up around him, the memories made, and the innovation that continues to drive the franchise forward.
For those looking to take advantage of the deals, the main Nintendo eShop sale will remain active until March 16, giving fans a short window to grab their favorite games before prices return to normal. With discounts up to 90% off on select titles, the promotion is one of the most attractive sales periods for expanding a Switch collection. But fans are encouraged to act fast—both the digital and in-store offers are time-limited, and attendance at physical events is on a first-come, first-served basis.
As Nintendo’s MAR10 Day celebration continues to grow each year, it serves as a reminder of the enduring power of play and the universal appeal of Mario. Whether you’re a lifelong fan reliving childhood adventures or a newcomer discovering the Mushroom Kingdom for the first time, there’s something for everyone in this year’s festivities. And with the 40th anniversary setting the stage for even bigger celebrations, it’s clear that Mario’s journey is far from over—he’s still got plenty of lives left.