I arrived expecting to see a wide range of Super Mario merchandise, clothing, and toys, but what immediately caught my attention was a morphable image of Mario displayed on an iPad screen. 🎮📱
The interactive app, called Hello Mario, will launch in the United States on February 19 on the App Store and Google Play, with a release in Japan planned a few months later. The app is free and surprisingly engaging. While it doesn’t offer complex gameplay, it perfectly captures Mario’s playful and mischievous personality.
I had the chance to preview the app — along with several other Mario-themed products — during a private Toy Fair demonstration in New York City.
Mario toys for younger fans
Many of the toys showcased by Nintendo and its partners were designed for younger children and toddlers. One highlight came from Fisher-Price, which presented a Little People playset inspired by Super Mario Bros..
The set recreates the classic Mario platforming world and includes:
- Little People versions of Mario characters
- Green plastic pipes
- Physical buttons that trigger familiar game sounds (including the original Mario music as a hidden Easter egg)
Another toy is based on Super Mario Bros. 3’s Treasure Ship, complete with a working catapult launcher.
There were also adorable baby onesies and bath toys themed around Mario — the kind of products young children would love. Even older fans might find them charming.
The surprisingly addictive Hello Mario app
Still, the standout product for me was the Hello Mario app, which will also be available on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
The experience begins with Mario’s face on a blue background. From there, users can interact directly with his face by stretching, twisting, or pulling it.
- Drag one finger to stretch his iconic mustache.
- Use two fingers to distort his face in different directions.
- Spin his head like a top and watch it bounce across the screen.
Each bounce earns points — and eventually, players start collecting gold coins, just like in the games.
Tapping the screen reveals additional elements such as:
- A green pipe
- Blooper, the squid-like Mario enemy
- Toad
You can even drag Toad around while Mario’s eyes follow him. Dropping Toad onto Mario’s nose makes Mario grow to a giant size.
Built-in screen time controls
Although the app is simple, it’s clearly designed to entertain younger children. It also includes built-in screen time controls. When it’s time for a break, Mario will cover his face and stop responding. The only way to play again is to close and reopen the app.
Despite its simplicity, I found myself constantly stretching and bouncing Mario around the screen — proof that the app’s playful design is strangely addictive.
Launch tied to the new Mario movie
The app, along with the toys, clothing, and even a new Mario-themed board book, is timed to release just ahead of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which arrives in theaters on April 1, 2026.
If the movie turns out to be as fun as this little app, Mario fans are in for a great time. 🍄🎬
