Android users will need to wait 3 months for 'Super Mario Run' after iOS-exclusive debut

The extremely popular Super Mario Run will soon end its iOS App Store exclusivity with Nintendo advising it will be bringing the game to Android sometime in March, three months after it launched on the iPhone and iPad.

Nintendo posted on Twitter that it is going to make Super Mario Run available for Android through Google Play in March this year, though not an exact date of when it will go live. Just as with the iOS launch, potential players can sign up for notifications for when the game can be downloaded.

The three-month delay between the iOS and Android launches of Super Mario Run stems from issues with security and piracy, which Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto revealed concerns about in an interview. The game's requirement for an always-on Internet connection also assists in mitigating the risk of piracy, as well as providing asynchronous multiplayer elements.

It is highly probable that the Android version of Super Mario Run will share all the graphics and features as the iOS version. The Unity engine was used to in the game's production, allowing it to be produced for multiple platforms at the same time while keeping feature parity across both iOS and Android releases.

The auto-running platform game with a simple control system has been highly successful, and profitable, since its iOS launch in December. It quickly reached the highest position in Apple's Top Free Apps and Top Grossing Apps leaderboards within hours of launch, though it has since dropped down in both charts.

Unlike typical free-to-play games, which offer advantages to players in microtransactions, Super Mario Run instead provides the first part of the game and multiplayer free. A $9.99 in-app purchase provides access to all the remaining levels, as well as more multiplayer tickets.

16 Comments

cali 3494 comments · 10 Years

About 7 years ago

"Issues with security and privacy"

Good luck Miyamoto, nothing in ThiefLand has changed.

really wish Apple would just acquire this company.

Metriacanthosaurus 880 comments · 8 Years

cali said:

"Issues with security and privacy"

Good luck Miyamoto, nothing in ThiefLand has changed.

really wish Apple would just acquire this company.

That's an interesting idea. It would certainly stave off the eventual and inevitable bankruptcy. Maybe they should just wait until then to get a good price.

They obviously have some good developers and good creative people at Nintendo. Unfortunately they have typical Japanese leadership driving the ship right into the ground.

Rayz2016 6957 comments · 8 Years

cali said:

"Issues with security and privacy"

Good luck Miyamoto, nothing in ThiefLand has changed.

really wish Apple would just acquire this company.

It will be interesting to see how much money they make on the Android platform compared to iOS.

slurpy 5388 comments · 15 Years

Rayz2016 said:

cali said:

"Issues with security and privacy"

Good luck Miyamoto, nothing in ThiefLand has changed.

really wish Apple would just acquire this company.

It will be interesting to see how much money they make on the Android platform compared to iOS.

Won't even be a fraction, especially considering that the hype train would have completed dissipated by then (it already has). Mario run sales on iOS were spurred by massive media and social coverage. Won't be the case for Android launch.

maestro64 5029 comments · 19 Years

Does Nintendo really think Android users will shell out $10 for game, we talk about a whole group of users who think they should not have to pay for stuff on the phones. Would be interested to see the numbers on this, but all we will see is companies like IDC making up % to tell a story.