Today is the Day Mario Dies – But why Are People Saying He’s Dying on March 31?

Mario is almost certainly the most recognisable face within video games, with maybe only Pikachu on a par with him.

The red clothed plumber has been around for over 40 years now and has played protagonist in dozens of incredible games.

However, if you’ve been on the internet over the last month or so, you may have seen that today, March 31, 2021, has been dubbed the day “Mario dies”.

Is it as sinister as it sounds? Here’s your answer.

Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Information

September 13, 2020 marked a whopping 35 years since Super Mario Bros. launched on the Nintendo Entertainment System.

This arguably kick started the iconic legacy of Nintendo’s plumber and set the gold standard for video games going forwards.

To celebrate this milestone, Nintendo held a very special 35th anniversary Super Mario Direct presentation. During this presentation, the company announced a range of new and returning Mario games.

We had the likes of Super Mario Bros. 35 (a Mario battle royale), a new AR Mario Kart game and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.

The crown jewel of presentation, however, was Super Mario 3D All-Stars. A collection of three of the best 3D Mario titles to have ever existed – Super Mario 64, Sunshine and Galaxy.

So why are people saying Mario Dies on March 31?

Well, the good news is, he’s not actually dying. I don’t think.

Instead, Nintendo is rather weirdly pulling the plug on Mario’s 35th anniversary celebrations in an extremely abrupt manor.

Fans will no longer be able to purchase copies of Super Mario 3D All-Stars, nor will they be able to play Super Mario Bros. 35 any more.

Plus, today is the last day fans will be able to purchase select Mario merch from Nintendo’s store.

So, while the plumber himself isn’t dying, the ability to purchase/play two of his games are, plus a load of his merch. Strange move Nintendo.