For nearly four decades, Mario, the iconic character of Nintendo, has braved countless dangers in his video game adventures. His ability to overcome obstacles with an unwavering smile has sparked a persistent question within the gaming community: Does Mario feel pain during his adventures? A question that Nintendo has finally decided to answer, and in a rather unexpected way.
Pain according to Mario: a question of empathy
The response of Nintendo This long-debated question does not revolve around a categorical affirmation or negation. On the contrary, Takashi Tezuka, producer and influential figure within the Japanese company, proposed a perspective where Mario's pain essentially depends on the player's empathy. “Mario can feel pain. “If the player feels that Mario is suffering, it's a better experience,” Tezuka said in an interview with The Verge. This statement offers an original clarification, suggesting that the answer to this big question lies in the hands of the players themselves.
Advertisement
So, if during a hostile interaction, such as a fight against Bowser or falling off a precipice, the player lets out a “¡Ay!” empathetic is that Mario's experience of pain is recognized and shared. This innovative response from Nintendo highlights the symbiotic relationship between Mario and his many aficionados, where emotions and feelings transcend the screen to mingle with the player's reality.
What's new from Nintendo: beyond the pain
But the world of Mario is not limited to this revelation about pain. Nintendo continues to evolve its flagship character by offering new adventures. For die-hard fans, the next big step appears to be the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, headlined by a new 3D Mario game. Although no official confirmation regarding the release date is available, the anticipation around March 2025 is palpable. This new chapter promises not only to enrich Nintendo's already prestigious catalog but also to mark the beginning of a new era for the Kyoto-based console.
While waiting for this long-awaited revolution, fans of the franchise can look forward to the remake of Paper Mario: La Puerta Milenaria, scheduled for an imminent release on the Nintendo Switch. This announcement is a testament to Nintendo's commitment to refreshing and reinvigorating its classics, promising hours of entertainment and nostalgia for its community.
The Mario experience: a reinvented player-character relationship
The way Nintendo chose to answer the question of Mario's pain reveals a deep understanding of the relationship between player and character. By promoting the player's empathy and personal experience, the Kyoto company invites a deeper immersion into the Mario universe. This redefines interactions with video games, where the line between the player's reality and the character's adventures becomes thinner.
Advertisement
This paradigm, where the player's sensations and emotions directly influence the gaming experience, opens new avenues for the future of video games. Nintendo, thanks to iconic characters like Mario, continues to explore these new territories, thus strengthening its status as a pioneer in the video game industry.
The future of Mario and Nintendo: a promise of innovation
Between the revelations about Mario's feelings and the teasers about future consoles and games, Nintendo once again proves its commitment to constant innovation. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the mystery surrounding its release date and launch catalog are fueling discussions and excitement among fans. Your favorite Nintendo licenses soon in new games? This anticipation is not limited to the next console but also encompasses curiosity around the treatment of Mario's pain in his next adventures.
In short, Nintendo's response to the question of Mario's pain after almost 40 years stands out as a broader reflection on the relationship between the player and the character. This evolving interaction promises not only to enrich future experiences with Mario but also to inspire new ways of designing video games. The future of Mario, Nintendo, and the video game industry therefore seems to promise a horizon filled with innovation, empathy, and new ways of playing and feeling.