Key Facts
- ✓ The My Mario product line will be available in the US starting next month.
- ✓ The 'Hello, Mario!' app is a free download for Switch, Switch 2, iOS, and Android devices.
- ✓ The app launches on February 19, 2026.
- ✓ Physical products include apparel for infants and toddlers, a board book, and plush versions of Mario and items.
- ✓ Items will launch through Nintendo's stores in New York and San Francisco.
Quick Summary
Nintendo is expanding its My Mario product line to the United States next month. This release follows the initial Japan-exclusive launch that occurred last August. The upcoming US release features a mix of digital and physical merchandise designed for younger fans.
The centerpiece of the announcement is the Hello, Mario! app. This interactive application allows users to engage with a 3D version of Mario's head. The digital product will be available for free on various platforms, including the Switch, Switch 2, iOS, and Android devices. The official availability date for the app is set for February 19, 2026.
In addition to the digital offering, Nintendo is introducing several physical items. The physical lineup includes apparel specifically for infants and toddlers. Parents and gift-givers can also expect a board book and plush versions of both Mario and various items from the franchise. These products will be accessible through Nintendo's physical retail locations in New York and San Francisco.
Digital Experience: Hello, Mario!
The Hello, Mario! app introduces a unique way to interact with the iconic character. Unlike standard games, this application focuses on tactile engagement with a digital figure. The core feature is an interactive 3D version of Mario's head.
Users can manipulate the character model directly. The app is programmed to react to specific physical gestures performed on the screen. These interactions include:
- Poking: The character responds to sharp taps.
- Tugging: The model reacts to pulling motions.
- Flinging: The character moves based on swiping gestures.
The application is designed to be widely accessible. It will be available as a free download. Compatibility covers Nintendo's current and next-generation handhelds, specifically the Switch and the Switch 2. Furthermore, the app extends to mobile ecosystems, being available on both iOS and Android devices. The scheduled launch date for the digital app is February 19th, 2026.
Physical Merchandise Lineup
Beyond the digital application, the My Mario collection brings tangible products to the market. These items are tailored for early childhood, focusing on infants and toddlers. The physical goods serve as a companion to the interactive digital experience.
The merchandise lineup includes several distinct categories:
- Apparel: Clothing items designed for infants and toddlers.
- Board Book: A book that allows children to interact with Mario's face, mirroring the tactile nature of the app.
- Plush Toys: Soft toys featuring Mario and various items from the game universe.
These physical products will be distributed through specific retail channels. Customers in the United States will be able to purchase them at Nintendo's dedicated store locations. Specifically, the products will launch through the Nintendo stores located in New York and San Francisco.
US Release Details
The transition from a Japan-only release to a US launch marks a significant expansion for the My Mario brand. The initial launch occurred in Japan in August of last year. After a period of exclusivity, the collection is now set to arrive in the American market next month.
The distribution strategy relies on Nintendo's physical footprint in major US cities. By utilizing their stores in New York and San Francisco, Nintendo ensures a direct-to-consumer approach for the physical items. This allows for a controlled release of the merchandise alongside the digital app.
The timing of the release aligns the digital and physical offerings. The app becomes available on February 19, 2026. While the specific start date for physical sales in the US stores is not detailed, the announcement indicates the products will be available 'starting next month,' aligning with the app's release window.
Conclusion
Nintendo's upcoming release of the My Mario collection in the US represents a strategic expansion of the brand into early childhood engagement. By combining a responsive digital app with soft, tactile physical goods, the company is targeting a very young demographic. The integration of the Hello, Mario! app across both gaming consoles and mobile devices maximizes accessibility for parents and children alike. With the launch date set for next month, specifically February 19, 2026 for the app, US consumers can soon access the same products that debuted in Japan last August. The availability in flagship stores in New York and San Francisco provides a physical hub for this new product line.
