Is Super Mario on Disney+? A Plumber’s Progress on the Streaming Scene

The short, and rather unceremonious answer, is no, Super Mario is not on Disney+. While the House of Mouse boasts an impressive catalog, including Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and, of course, their signature animation, the mustachioed hero of the Mushroom Kingdom hasn’t quite made his way into their streaming ecosystem. Why not? Well, let’s dive deeper into the reasons and explore where you can find Mario and his friends on the small screen.

Why You Won’t Find Mario Under the Disney Umbrella

The absence of Mario on Disney+ boils down to one simple factor: ownership. Super Mario is a property of Nintendo, the legendary Japanese video game company. Nintendo fiercely guards its intellectual property, carefully controlling where and how its characters appear. Disney, while a powerhouse in its own right, simply doesn’t own the rights to Mario and his associated universe.

While crossovers and collaborations are always a possibility in the entertainment world, there aren’t any current deals in place to bring Mario to Disney+. The entertainment landscape is ever-changing, but for now, you’ll need to look elsewhere for your Mario fix.

Where Can You Find Super Mario?

Don’t despair, Mario fans! While he’s not residing in the Disney vault, there are still ways to enjoy the plumber’s adventures.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

The most recent and widely available option is The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). It has been released for digital purchase and rental on platforms like:

• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Google Play Movies & TV
• Vudu

You can buy or rent the movie to watch it from the comfort of your home. Plus, it’s readily available on Blu-ray and DVD if you prefer a physical copy.

Nintendo Gaming Platforms

Of course, the primary place to experience the world of Super Mario is on Nintendo’s own gaming platforms. Whether it’s the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS (discontinued but still enjoyable), or legacy consoles, Nintendo continues to release new Mario games and re-release classics. This includes:

• Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo Switch)
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (Nintendo Switch)
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch)
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Nintendo Switch)

These games offer the most interactive and immersive experience of the Mario universe.

Other Streaming Options (Limited Availability)

Keep an eye on other streaming platforms, as deals and licenses can change. While dedicated Mario content might be scarce, smaller appearances or related content may occasionally pop up on services like Hulu or Peacock. It’s always worth a quick search!

FAQs: Your Burning Mario Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation and provide additional insights:

1. Will Nintendo ever create its own streaming service?

This is a frequently speculated topic. Nintendo has remained tight-lipped about launching a dedicated streaming service. Instead, they focus on delivering content primarily through their gaming consoles. While possible, it’s not their current core strategy.

2. Could Disney acquire the rights to Super Mario?

While Disney has acquired major franchises like Star Wars and Marvel, a full acquisition of Nintendo seems highly unlikely. Nintendo is a culturally significant and fiercely independent company. A partnership or licensing deal is more probable than an outright acquisition.

3. Are there any Mario-related shows or movies on other streaming services?

Occasionally, you might find shows or movies with Mario characters in cameo roles or smaller appearances. Regularly check streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, using specific keywords like “Mario” or “Nintendo.” However, availability will vary.

4. Why did Illumination make the Super Mario Bros. Movie instead of Disney?

Nintendo partnered with Illumination, the animation studio behind Despicable Me and Minions, due to their expertise in creating family-friendly animated films and their willingness to collaborate closely with Nintendo’s vision for the Super Mario Bros. movie. Nintendo preferred working with a studio that understood the brand and respected its creative control.

5. Will there be a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie?

Yes, a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie has been officially announced by Nintendo and Illumination. The highly anticipated sequel is currently in development, with a targeted release date.

6. Is there any animated Mario series available on streaming?

There was an older Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, a live-action/animated hybrid that aired in the late 1980s. However, it’s not widely available on major streaming services. You might find episodes on YouTube or other video platforms.

7. Can I watch gameplay footage of Super Mario games on streaming services?

Absolutely! Twitch and YouTube are filled with gameplay footage of various Super Mario games. Many streamers and content creators specialize in Mario games, providing walkthroughs, speedruns, and commentary.

8. Are there any Mario-themed documentaries or behind-the-scenes content available online?

Yes, search for documentaries about Nintendo’s history, the making of Super Mario games, and the impact of the franchise on popular culture. YouTube and other video platforms often host these kinds of documentaries.

9. What are the best Super Mario games to play right now?

For the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Odyssey is a must-play for its open-world exploration. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury offers fantastic multiplayer fun. Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces a fresh, vibrant take on classic 2D Mario gameplay. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be the king of kart racers.

10. Where can I buy official Super Mario merchandise?

You can find official Super Mario merchandise at various retailers, including:

• Nintendo’s official online store
• Amazon
• Target
• GameStop

11. Are there any Super Mario theme park attractions?

Yes! Super Nintendo World is a themed area dedicated to Super Mario at Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Singapore. These parks offer immersive experiences, rides, and attractions based on the Super Mario universe.

12. Is there a future for Mario in other media beyond games and movies?

Absolutely! The Mario franchise’s popularity and cultural impact make it ripe for further expansion into various media. From potential television series to stage shows, there are countless avenues for Mario to explore. It’s only a matter of time before we see more of the mustachioed plumber in different formats.

In conclusion, while Super Mario isn’t gracing Disney+ with his presence, there are plenty of other avenues to enjoy the adventures of Mario, Luigi, and the whole Mushroom Kingdom crew. From playing the games on Nintendo consoles to watching The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the world of Mario remains vibrant and accessible to fans worldwide. Just keep checking official sources for the latest news and releases!