Every year on March 10, fans around the world celebrate Mario Day, also known as MAR10 Day. The date “MAR10” looks similar to the name Mario, which is why Nintendo officially recognizes it as a special day dedicated to its most famous character, Mario.
In 2026, Nintendo is celebrating Mario’s birthday with several promotions, events, and in-game activities for players and fans.
What Is MAR10 Day?
MAR10 Day is an annual celebration of Mario and the long-running Super Mario franchise.
The character first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, and later became the star of the classic platformer Super Mario Bros.. Over the decades, Mario has become one of the most recognizable characters in gaming.
To celebrate the occasion, Nintendo usually hosts special promotions, discounts, and community events each year.
Major Game Discounts for Mario Day
One of the biggest parts of the MAR10 Day celebration is the annual sale on popular Mario games.
For the 2026 event, several titles for the Nintendo Switch are being discounted at select retailers and on the Nintendo eShop.
Some of the featured deals include:
- Super Mario Odyssey – discounted to around $39.99
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury – around $39.99
- Super Mario Maker 2 – around $39.99
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong – discounted during the event
These promotions run for a limited time in March and give fans a chance to pick up some of the most popular Mario titles at a lower price.
Mario Kart World Online Tournament
Another highlight of the celebration is an online event for Mario Kart World.
Nintendo is hosting a special My Nintendo Open series, where players can participate in weekly online races throughout March. Participants can earn My Nintendo Platinum Points simply by joining the event.
The tournament includes several race formats, such as:
- VS Race competitions
- Coin Runners mode
- Knockout Tour challenges
These events are designed to encourage players to compete and celebrate Mario together online.
Nintendo Switch Online Adds Classic Mario Games
To celebrate MAR10 Day, classic Mario titles are also being added to the Nintendo Switch Online library.
These retro games allow players to revisit older Mario adventures from previous Nintendo systems. The growing library already includes titles from platforms like:
- NES
- SNES
- Game Boy
- Nintendo 64
Nintendo continues expanding this collection to give modern players access to classic Mario experiences.
Real-World Fan Events and Meet-and-Greets
Mario Day celebrations are not limited to digital events.
Nintendo is also hosting in-person fan activities at its official stores in New York and San Francisco, where visitors can meet Mario and take photos with the iconic character.
Some retailers are also running special promotions during the celebration. For example, certain stores are offering small rewards or activities for fans who show up dressed as Mario on March 10.
A Big Year for Mario Fans
The 2026 celebration is especially meaningful because it also marks the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. era, highlighting the long history of the franchise.
With new events, classic games returning online, and community activities taking place around the world, MAR10 Day continues to be one of the most popular annual celebrations in gaming.
Final Thoughts
Mario remains one of the most iconic characters in video game history, and MAR10 Day is a fun way for fans to celebrate the legacy of the franchise.
Whether players join online tournaments, pick up discounted games, or simply replay classic adventures, the annual celebration organized by Nintendo keeps the spirit of Mario alive for both longtime fans and new players.
(image credit: Nitendo)