Nintendo's Mario Day Switch console is pretty baffling

Rumours about a special edition Nintendo Switch console for Mario Day on March 10 have been doing the rounds for a while, and this week they were finally confirmed. But while we weren't holding our breath for an upgraded version of the console, the announced has still managed to majorly disappoint Nintendo fans.

That this wasn't the much-rumoured Switch Pro (or Switch 2) was no surprise – that's rumoured to be arriving at the end of this year. But we at least expected a new colourway for the OLED version of the Switch. Instead, we're getting a standard Switch that's slightly less Mario-ified than 2021's special edition. Really, Nintendo? (Check out the best Nintendo Switch deals for the full OLED experience.)

Nintendo Switch Mario edition

(Image credit: Nintendo/Future)

The special Mario bundle includes a standard Switch with red joy-cons and a download code for one of three Mario games; Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. It's retailing for $299.99 – which, as many are complaining about on Twitter, feels particularly high for the basic, non-OLED Switch.

See more
See more
See more

And to add insult to injury, Nintendo dropped a Mario Switch two years ago that featured a stronger Mario-themed design. This new version features red Joy-Cons, but grey everything else. 2020's edition at least included a red console and dock, along with a blue controller adapter. And even that wasn't Mario enough for some.

Nintendo Switch

2021's special edition was arguably more Mario-y (Image credit: Nintendo)

Plenty of Twitter users are wondering aloud whether this is some kind of inventory clearing process. Is Nintendo shifting old stock in order to make way for something new and exciting later in the year? We can but hope – check out out roundup of every Switch Pro rumour.

Read more:

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Daniel Piper
Senior News Editor

Daniel Piper is Creative Bloq’s Senior News Editor. As the brand’s Apple authority, he covers all things Mac, iPhone, iPad and the rest. He also reports on the worlds of design, branding and tech. Daniel joined Future in 2020 (an eventful year, to say the least) after working in copywriting and digital marketing with brands including ITV, NBC, Channel 4 and more. Outside of Future, Daniel is a global poetry slam champion and has performed at festivals including Latitude, Bestival and more. He is the author of Arbitrary and Unnecessary: The Selected Works of Daniel Piper (Selected by Daniel Piper).