Nintendo is betting big on its most recognizable star to win over the next generation of fans. The company has introduced My Mario, a family-focused collection of toys, apparel, apps, and kid-friendly experiences built around Mario and his Mushroom Kingdom friends. The idea is simple: introduce infants, toddlers, and young children to Mario early, in ways that fit naturally into playtime, storytime, and everyday routines, while also giving parents products designed specifically with little ones in mind.
My Mario brings Mario beyond the console with a lineup that mixes classic Nintendo charm with hands-on play. One of the standout items is the My Mario Wood Block Set, offered in both 3-piece and 30-piece versions. The hardwood blocks feature familiar characters and icons such as Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach, and the iconic Question Block. Nintendo is also tying these blocks back to its gaming ecosystem: the character blocks from the wood sets can be used like regular amiibo in compatible Nintendo Switch games, turning a preschool toy into something that can grow with a child over time.
For younger kids and parents looking for quieter activities, Nintendo is also rolling out a board book titled Hello, Mario! along with a Mario plush and rattles inspired by Mario, the Super Star, and the Super Mushroom. The collection extends into clothing too, with Mario-themed apparel designed for infants, toddlers, and kids, including items like bodysuits, blankets, and cardigans. It’s a clear push to make Mario a familiar part of a child’s day long before they’re ready to hold a controller.
My Mario also includes video content in the form of It’s Me, Mario! stop-motion shorts. There are currently five episodes available through Nintendo’s official kid-focused channels, though no new episodes have appeared in the last five months. Still, the shorts reinforce what Nintendo is aiming for with this initiative: easy, accessible Mario content that feels playful and welcoming for families.
A key piece of the rollout is the Hello, Mario! app, a free interactive experience where kids can play directly with Mario on-screen. Children can pull his face to create silly expressions, poke him, spin him around, or even play peekaboo. Nintendo also added an interesting parent-friendly touch: after a period of play, Mario gets tired, falls asleep, and won’t wake up even if a child keeps tapping him. It’s an intentional built-in break meant to help reduce screen time, though some parents may want to be prepared for the possibility that a disappointed child won’t love Mario “ignoring” them.
Nintendo says the Hello, Mario! app will be available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, along with iOS and Android devices. The app is scheduled to launch on February 19, 2026 via major app storefronts and the Nintendo digital shop. Nintendo also plans to release the wooden block sets and select toys and apparel on the same day at its Nintendo New York and Nintendo San Francisco locations. The Hello, Mario! board book is expected to arrive in Spring 2026, placing it sometime between March and May.
With My Mario, Nintendo isn’t just selling cute merchandise—it’s building a gentle, early on-ramp into the Mario universe through toys, books, clothing, short videos, and a kid-safe app. For families who already love Nintendo, it’s an easy way to share that world with young children. For Nintendo, it’s a long-term play to make Mario a first favorite character, not just a first video game.
