Nintendo is no stranger to the mobile gaming industry, having created a number of incredibly successful titles for iOS and Android. These games usually get the same, if not superior, update treatment as major platform games, such as the popular and constantly updated Animal Crossing Pocket Camp. The majority of these games have been mostly free-to-play, with optional in-game purchases. Although critics lauded practically every element of Super Mario Run’s gameplay, many were disappointed by the absence of a free option. Despite the unpaid version of the game remaining restricted, this latest upgrade may make it more tempting to those who have been hesitant to pay for it.
Handheld gaming has obviously always been a critical component of Nintendo’s strategy. Products like the Switch Lite remain market leaders in an increasing industry of portable gaming devices. Smartphone games, such as Super Mario Run, continue this trend and are one of the ways Nintendo is still able to make its games available to the broadest potential audience. Super Mario Run might be a terrific way to introduce Nintendo’s current vision for Mario to people who can’t get their hands on a Switch, so making it free is a huge step in the right direction.
