Play Nintendo
Play Nintendo is a division of Nintendo's official North American website. It promotes contemporary Nintendo systems and games, while maintaining a focus on appealing to a younger audience. It was established on October 1, 2014.[1] The icon used for the website is a Super Star. Nintendo of Europe and Nintendo of Japan have similar divisions titled Nintendo Kids Club and Nintendo Kids Space, respectively.
The website's content is split into five sections: Friends, Activities, Media, Printables, and News & Tips. (Formerly there were only three sections: Friends, Explore, and News & Tips.) A clickable ? Block appears throughout these sections, which causes random events to occur when clicked, such as 8-bit Super Mario walking across the webpage, or coins appearing on the screen, which can be collected with the pointer. A web-comic series surfaced on the site to promote the Wii U release of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker called Track That Treasure, Captain Toad!
Sections[edit]
Friends[edit]
"Friends" consists of profile artworks and descriptions of various main Super Mario and other Nintendo characters. The following Super Mario characters are listed on the website, along with their respective descriptions.
Character | Description | Link |
---|---|---|
![]() |
CURRENT When he isn't rescuing princesses, you'll find him doing…pretty much anything you can think of. Mario is always ready to help a friend, take on a new challenge, or jump on a Koopa's head. He can also smoke the competition on a rainbow race track and swat a golf ball underwater. |
[friends 1] |
![]() Mario |
SUPER MARIO BROS. 35TH ANNIVERSARY He’s come a long way since stomping his first Goomba. For the past 35 years, Mario has been running, jumping, and saving the Mushroom Kingdom from baddies. You can join Mario in all sorts of exciting adventures![2] | |
![]() Luigi |
Ghosts and Goombas alike better not underestimate this hero. Talk about spirit! Luigi keeps his Poltergust 5000 set to "Awesome". He may not always be at the center of the action, but when Mario needs him, Luigi jumps right into harm's way. |
[friends 2] |
![]() Princess Peach |
FORMER Don't let the dainty crown and the parasol fool you. Peach is powerful in pink. She spent her fair share of time stuck in Bowser's castle and didn't care for it—Princess Peach prefers to be the one doing the rescuing, racing, and competing.[3] CURRENT |
[friends 3] |
![]() Toad |
FORMER Hey, that isn't a walking mushroom—it's Toad, Mario's loyal friend! In a kingdom full of Toads, there is only one "Toad"—and he’ll point you to the right castle. He's small in stature under that polka dot cap, but he has a huge heart and extremely speedy feet![4] CURRENT |
[friends 4] |
![]() Toadette |
From tracking treasure to crafting paper, tiny Toadette is always ready to face a challenge. She's a lightweight on the kart track, but Toadette really knows her stuff when it comes to fun and adventure. This pink-and-white member of the Toad species gets really pumped up when she's out to save the day! |
[friends 5] |
![]() Bowser |
This spiny shelled menace may be strong, but his breath isn't everything. Bowser isn’t exactly a "friend", but where would Mario be without a troublesome giant Koopa who keeps snatching Princess Peach? The world would certainly be a lot less fun. |
[friends 6] |
![]() Daisy |
She's got a gown and a crown, but this friendly princess is totally down to earth. Daisy’s always ready for a challenge, whether she's smashing tennis balls or jumping over hurdles. The ruler of Sarasaland loves the thrill of the chase, too—especially when she's zooming around on a kart. |
[friends 7] |
![]() Wario |
This rude and crude fellow likes to toot…his own horn. Wario is stubborn, sneaky, and every bit as crooked as his mustache—the complete opposite of his rival, Mario. But he's got a head for business, and despite his greedy nature, he's been known to lend the occasional helping hand. |
[friends 8] |
![]() Waluigi |
Wario’s sidekick and Luigi’s biggest rival (or so he thinks). Waluigi schemes in secret to defeat Mario and Luigi, but he hasn’t found much success. His long arms and legs give him an edge in all kinds of sports, from tennis to soccer. |
[friends 9] |
![]() Rosalina |
Interstellar observer, protector of the Lumas, and friend to Mario. From her Comet observatory, Rosalina scans the cosmos for adorable Lumas to adopt. From behind the wheel of a kart, she scans the track for rivals to pelt with green shells. |
[friends 10] |
![]() Goomba |
The Mushroom Kingdom's most fearful foe is... not the Goomba. But don’t tell them that. It's pretty easy to take on a Goomba—they can usually be defeated with a well-timed jump. But these Mushroom Kingdom creatures are still part of Bowser's army, so beware! |
[friends 11] |
![]() Bowser Jr. |
Bowser’s little boy has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. Bowser Jr. is small, but he knows how to cause plenty of trouble for Mario. He may even throw a tantrum if things don’t go his way. After all, he’s the son of Bowser, King of the Koopas! His bib is decorated with drawn-on fangs and worn like a mask…possibly in an attempt to seem more menacing! |
[friends 12] |
![]() Koopa Troopa |
Don't tell one of these minions to come out of its shell (unless you plan to throw its shell right back at it). These members of Bowser's Koopa Troop wear their homes—and their weapons—on their backs. You can usually find them marching through the Mushroom Kingdom and looking for trouble. |
[friends 13] |
![]() Koopalings |
Bowser’s wildest minions have a personality all their own. There are seven Koopalings in the clan: Larry, Morton, Wendy, Iggy, Roy, Lemmy, and Ludwig. These leaders of the Koopa Troop are always getting in Mario’s way—especially when he’s trying to reach their boss, Bowser. |
[friends 14] |
![]() Yoshi |
What does Yoshi do to beat up baddies? It’s right on the tip of his tongue… When trouble comes a-calling, this sticky-tongued, egg-laying wonder will flutter jump to the rescue. So who does Yoshi count on to have his back? Mario, of course! |
[friends 15] |
![]() Poochy |
Who’s a good boy? Poochy’s a good boy! Yoshi won’t have to adventure alone with this faithful companion by his side. Poochy’s always ready to lend a paw to help Yoshi travel over dangerous terrain, fetch hard-to-reach collectables, or sniff out secrets. |
[friends 16] |
![]() Baby Mario |
Think you're tough? Try going on adventures in a diaper. While other babies roll aimlessly on the floor and cry for milk, Baby Mario rides like a boss on the back of a Yoshi…and hungers for justice. |
[friends 17] |
![]() Baby Luigi |
There's no napping for this beleaguered baby when enemies abound. Baby Mario's brother has spent a lot of time in Kamek’s clutches, but Baby Luigi also gets plenty of outdoor time driving a kart. |
[friends 18] |
![]() Kamek |
This sneaky Magikoopa keeps trying (and failing) to stop the future Super Mario Bros. You could argue that Kamek is just trying to make life easier for his fellow Koopas, but his airborne schemes always end up making a mess for everyone. |
[friends 19] |
![]() Shy Guy |
Who are these masked rascals that cause so much trouble for Yoshi and Mario? It seems like Shy Guys are always around, whether you're driving a kart, hitting a tennis ball, having a party, or rescuing a baby from a bespectacled Magikoopa. |
[friends 20] |
![]() Cappy |
This hat-shaped hero from the Cap Kingdom grants Mario incredible abilities. Cappy’s capture ability lets Mario take control of all sorts of things, including objects and enemies. All it takes is a flick of the wrist! |
[friends 21] |
![]() Donkey Kong |
This friendly Kong goes absolutely bananas when it comes to jumping and pounding. Donkey Kong has changed a lot since he got a game named after him way back when. He has a nice family and wears a tie, but he still likes to crash through branches and boxes in the jungle. |
[friends 22] |
![]() Diddy Kong |
He might look harmless to jungle baddies, but this small Kong is a peanut-popping powerhouse! You'll often find him riding on Donkey Kong's back, but Diddy Kong is no burden—he can blast his big buddy to new heights with his Rocket Barrel Boost! |
[friends 23] |
![]() Dixie Kong |
Look in the sky! It's an itty-bitty blonde whirlybird Kong! It would be easy to underestimate this tiny Kong with a smiling face and a pony tail tucked under her pink beret, but Dixie Kong can more than carry her own weight for the Kong clan. |
[friends 24] |
![]() Cranky Kong |
He'll throw enemies out of the jungle—as soon as he puts in his dentures. Stooped in stature, but sizable in spirit, the curmudgeonly Cranky Kong springs out of his rocking chair—and into the action—with his spike-proof, bouncing cane. |
[friends 25] |
![]() Funky Kong |
Hang ten with Donkey Kong’s bodacious buddy. When Funky Kong surfs into action, not even spikes can slow him down! This fun-loving Kong helps his friends get their paws on cool items—and in the past, he’s helped them travel in style, too. Sweeeeet! |
[friends 26] |
![]() Snowmads |
These frigid foes froze Donkey Kong Island. That's so cold! The Snowmads are an invasion force of walruses, seals, penguins, and other beasties who bring cold temperatures, thievery, and wacky boss battles to a peaceful tropical island. |
[friends 27] |
![]() Rambi |
Ride in style on the back of this rambunctious rhino. Donkey Kong can smash his way through a box or two, but he needs his horned helper to power through stone blocks…and the occasional enemy. |
[friends 28] |
![]() Tiki Tak Tribe |
This troublesome tribe can’t mask their thieving nature. With a little bit of hocus pocus, these musical hypnotists can turn the gentle beasts of the jungle into fearsome foes. |
[friends 29] |
Activities[edit]
The Activities section features games, quizzes, utilities and other. They are divided into seven categories: "Play" activities, Personality Quizzes, Skill Quizzes, Opinion Polls, Puzzles, Memory Match-up and Paint-by-number. The following table summarizes each category.
Category | Summary | Link |
---|---|---|
![]() Play |
This category contains miscellaneous activities, such as games and creation tools. |
[activities 1] |
![]() Skill Quizzes |
This category features quizzes that test the player's knowledge on Nintendo-related subjects. |
[activities 2] |
![]() Personality Quizzes |
This category features quizzes that aim to determine things about the player such as personal preferences or personality traits shared with video game characters. |
[activities 3] |
![]() Opinion Polls |
This category features polls that users can participate in. |
[activities 4] |
![]() Puzzles |
This category consists of jigsaw puzzles that users can put together. |
[activities 5] |
![]() Memory Match-up |
This category contains match-up-type games, in which the player has to flip over and find pairs of matching cards. |
[activities 6] |
![]() Paint-by-number |
This category contains coloring activities. |
[activities 7] |
Media[edit]
This section has game-relevant videos, pictures and downloadable extras, divided into separate categories shown in the following table.
Category | Summary | Link |
---|---|---|
![]() Videos |
This category contains game trailers and other videos. |
[media 1] |
![]() Pics |
This category hosts promotional pictures, such as screenshots and artwork. |
[media 2] |
![]() Wallpapers |
This category contains downloadable wallpapers of various sizes. |
[media 3] |
Printables[edit]
This section hosts a collection of printable PDF files. The printables are divided into three categories, namely "Cards", "Crafts", and "Print and Play", summarized below.
Category | Summary | Link |
---|---|---|
![]() Cards |
This category contains various greeting cards and invites. |
[printables 1] |
![]() Crafts |
This category contains printable crafts. |
[printables 2] |
![]() Print and Play |
This category contains activities and posters that can be printed out. |
[printables 3] |
News & Tips[edit]
This section contains articles regarding new game releases, as well as tips for various games, promotional comic strips, and others.
The Play Nintendo Show[edit]
Play Nintendo also extends to YouTube audiences using an official channel containing gameplay videos of contemporary games, and other Nintendo-related videos. The Play Nintendo Show is a current series of YouTube videos featuring a Piranha Plant named Izzy as a co-host. The second host, named Andrew Trego, begins the show by exiting a Warp Pipe. The show is set in a Super Mario-themed room with plush toys and pictures of Coins and other Super Mario-related pictures on the walls. Andrew calls the room "Casa de Nintendo", Spanish for "House of Nintendo".
[edit]
- Episode 1: Coin Crazy with New Super Mario Bros. 2 – Andrew and Izzy rank the five greatest Mario Power-Ups. Later, New Super Mario Bros. 2 is reviewed. Andrew mentions that any coins that he collects will go towards Bowser's birthday.
- # 1 Super Leaf
- # 2 Gold Flower
- # 3 Mega Mushroom
- # 4 Mini Mushroom
- # 5 Super Star
- Episode 6: Mario Kart 7 Road Hog – For this episode, the duo ranks the five Mario Kart 7 items that will help them get to class on time.
- # 1 Lucky Seven
- # 2 Super Star
- # 3 Super Leaf
- # 4 Banana
- # 5 Lightning
- Episode 9: Paper Mario: Color Splash - Paint Palooza – For this episode, the duo ranks the five ways the Paint Hammer can be used to do chores in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
- Episode 10: Mario Party Star Rush Celebration! – For this episode, the duo ranks the top five bosses to face off against in Mario Party: Star Rush.
Activity book[edit]
- Main article: Play Nintendo Activity Book
An activity book was physically distributed by Nintendo starting in 2015 as a tie-in to the Play Nintendo website. It features similar content to the website, including puzzles, a quiz, and a papercraft.
Gallery[edit]
- For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Play Nintendo.
Summer 2016 artwork of Mario and friends
Funky Kong riding a wave
Super Star vector art
Luigi Halloween stencil
Trivia[edit]
- The "404" page for Play Nintendo says "The page you want is in another castle!", a reference to the mushroom retainers' famous line in Super Mario Bros., while also fittingly accompanied by artwork of Toad.
External links[edit]
- Play Nintendo links
- ^ Mario. Retrieved September 21, 2021. (Archived October 22, 2014, 00:05:25 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
- ^ Luigi. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Princess Peach. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Toad. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Toadette. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Bowser. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Princess Daisy. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Wario. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Waluigi. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Rosalina. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Goomba. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Bowser Jr. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
- ^ Koopa Troopa. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Koopalings. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Yoshi. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Poochy. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Baby Mario. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Baby Luigi. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Kamek. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Shy Guy. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Cappy. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Donkey Kong. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Diddy Kong. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Dixie Kong. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Cranky Kong. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Funky Kong. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Snowmads. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Rambi. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Tiki Tak Tribe. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- Activities. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Play. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Skill Quizzes. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Personality Quizzes. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Opinion Polls. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Puzzles. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Memory Match-up. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Paint-by-number. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- Media. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- Printables. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- News & Tips. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- Other links
- Nintendo Kids Club (UK / Ireland site)
- Official YouTube channel
References[edit]
- ^ What's New - Find fun and surprises at Play Nintendo. Nintendo of America (October 1, 2014). Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- ^ Mario. Play Nintendo. Archived October 27, 2020, 20:12:17 UTC via Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
- ^ Princess Peach. Play Nintendo. Archived March 2, 2015, 05:22:23 UTC via Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
- ^ Toad. Play Nintendo. Archived October 25, 2014, 12:00:54 UTC via Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 14, 2021.