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{{company-infobox
{{more images|Images for the small Super Mario 3D World and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U guides. A guide for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also exists.}}
|logo=prima logo.png
{{company infobox
|height=100px
|logo=Prima logo.png
|width=200px
|bg=#222222
|width=183px
|founded=1990
|founded=1990
|president= Debra Kempker
|president= Debra Kempker
}}
}}
'''Prima Games''' is a publisher of video game strategy guides founded in 1990 and based in California. The company is a division of {{wp|Random House}}.
'''{{wp|Prima Games}}''' is a publisher of video game strategy guides founded in 1990 and based in California. The company is a division of {{wp|Random House}}.


Prima Games published several officially licensed guidebooks for ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' games, which competed with concurrent [[Nintendo Power]] guides. Following Nintendo Power's sale by [[Nintendo]] of America and acquisition by {{wp|Future US}}, Prima entered a partnership with Nintendo in 2007<ref name="Nintendo website">[https://web.archive.org/web/20070622185916/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/magazine/index.jsp Nintendo Power Magazine] <small>(Internet Archive: Wayback Machine)</small></ref>.   
Prima Games published several officially licensed guidebooks for ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' games, which competed with concurrent ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' guides. Following Nintendo Power's sale by [[Nintendo]] of America and acquisition by {{wp|Future US}}, Prima entered a partnership with Nintendo in 2007.<ref name="Nintendo website">[https://web.archive.org/web/20070622185916/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/magazine/index.jsp Nintendo Power Magazine] <small>(Internet Archive: Wayback Machine)</small></ref>


Early in its life, the publisher released several unofficial guides (often suffixed with "Unauthorized Game Secrets") to games it did not have a license for. Such guides were made for ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'', ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', among others.
Early in its life, the publisher released several unofficial guides (often suffixed with "Unauthorized Game Secrets") to games it did not have a license for. Such guides were made for ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'', ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', among others.


On November 8, 2018, publisher {{wp|Dorling Kindersley|DK}} announced that the Prima Games imprint would be discontinued in spring 2019 due to a large decline in strategy guide sales.<ref>Sommers, Erin (November 08, 2018). [https://lunch.publishersmarketplace.com/2018/11/people-etc-dk-to-close-prima-games/ People, Etc.: DK to Close Prima Games]. ''PublishersLunch''. Retrieved November 09, 2018</ref> However, on March 14, 2019, Asteri Holdings acquired the digital assets of Prima Games from DK Publishers<ref>Sinclair, Brendan (March 14, 2019). [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-03-14-asteri-acquires-prima-games Asteri acquires Prima Games]. ''gamesindustry.biz''. Retrieved June 09, 2019</ref>.
On November 8, 2018, publisher {{wp|DK (publisher)|DK}} announced that the Prima Games imprint would be discontinued in spring 2019 due to a large decline in strategy guide sales.<ref>Sommers, Erin (November 08, 2018). [https://lunch.publishersmarketplace.com/2018/11/people-etc-dk-to-close-prima-games/ People, Etc.: DK to Close Prima Games]. ''PublishersLunch''. Retrieved November 09, 2018</ref> However, on March 14, 2019, Asteri Holdings acquired the digital assets of Prima Games from DK Publishers.<ref>Sinclair, Brendan (March 14, 2019). [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-03-14-asteri-acquires-prima-games Asteri acquires Prima Games]. ''gamesindustry.biz''. Retrieved June 09, 2019</ref>


==Gallery of ''Mario''-relevant official guides==
==Gallery of ''Super Mario''-relevant official guides==


===Nintendo 64===
===Nintendo 64===
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===Game Boy/Game Boy Color===
===Game Boy/Game Boy Color===
Many of the games on the [[Game Boy]] and [[Game Boy Color]] were not vast enough to each have their own game guide, so like the Nintendo 64, several "mash up" editions were published. Two of them featured [[Mario]] on the cover. The game ''[[Super Mario Bros. Deluxe]]'' was the only ''Mario'' game for the Game Boy Color to get its own guide.
Many of the games on the [[Game Boy]] and [[Game Boy Color]] were not vast enough to each have their own game guide, so like the Nintendo 64, several "mash up" editions were published. Two of them featured [[Mario]] on the cover. The game ''[[Super Mario Bros. Deluxe]]'' was the only ''Super Mario'' game for the Game Boy Color to get its own guide.


<gallery>
<gallery>
Prima Guide-Game Boy 1999.jpg|Game Secrets 1999 edition
Prima Guide-Game Boy 1999.jpg|Game Secrets 1999 edition
Prima Guide-Game Boy 2001.jpg|Game Secrets 2001 edition
Prima Guide-Game Boy 2001.jpg|Game Secrets 2001 edition
Prima Guide-SMBD.jpg|''[[Super Mario Bros. Deluxe]]
SMBD Prima Guide.jpg|''[[Super Mario Bros. Deluxe]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Nintendo GameCube===
===Nintendo GameCube===
The following six guides were published for ''Mario'' games on the [[Nintendo GameCube]].
The following six guides were published for ''Super Mario'' games on the [[Nintendo GameCube]].
<gallery>
<gallery>
Prima Guide LM.jpg|''[[Luigi's Mansion]]
Prima Guide LM.jpg|''[[Luigi's Mansion]]
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===Game Boy Advance===
===Game Boy Advance===
Five ''Mario'' and one ''Donkey Kong'' game guides were published for the [[Game Boy Advance]].
Five ''Super Mario'' and one ''Donkey Kong'' game guides were published for the [[Game Boy Advance]].
<gallery>
<gallery>
Prima Guide-MKSC.jpg|''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]
Prima Guide-MKSC.jpg|''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]
Prima Guide-MLSS.jpg|''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]
Prima Guide-MLSS.jpg|''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]
Prima Guide-SMA.jpg|''[[Super Mario Advance]]
SMA Prima Guide.jpg|''[[Super Mario Advance]]
Prima Guide-SMA2.jpg|''[[Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2]]
Prima Guide-SMA2.jpg|''[[Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2]]
Prima Guide-SMA4.jpg|''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]
SMA4 Prima Guide.jpg|''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]
Prima Guide-DKC.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Country]]
Prima Guide-DKC.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Country]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Nintendo DS===
===Nintendo DS===
Few guides were made for ''Mario'' games on the [[Nintendo DS]]. A total of six games were covered, but four of them were part of a compilation.  
Few guides were made for ''Super Mario'' games on the [[Nintendo DS]]. A total of six games were covered, but four of them were part of a compilation.  


<gallery>
<gallery>
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===Wii===
===Wii===
Nine ''Mario'' games were covered by Prima for the [[Wii]] console. Both a premiere and collectors edition were published for ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' and [[Super Mario Galaxy 2|its sequel]]. The collectors edition included bonus content, such as original concept art
Nine ''Super Mario'' games were covered by Prima for the [[Wii]] console. Both a premiere and collectors edition were published for ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' and [[Super Mario Galaxy 2|its sequel]]. The collectors edition included bonus content, such as original concept art.


<gallery>
<gallery>
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Prima Guide-MKW.jpg|''[[Mario Kart Wii]]
Prima Guide-MKW.jpg|''[[Mario Kart Wii]]
Prima Guide-MP8.jpg|''[[Mario Party 8]]
Prima Guide-MP8.jpg|''[[Mario Party 8]]
Prima Guide-MP9.JPG|''[[Mario Party 9]]
MP9 Prima Guide.jpg|''[[Mario Party 9]]
Prima Guide-NSMBW.jpg|''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]
NSMBW Prima Guide.jpg|''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]
Prima Guide-SMG Premiere.jpg|''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' (premiere edition)
Prima Guide-SMG Premiere.jpg|''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' (premiere edition)
Prima Guide-SMG Collectors.jpg|''Super Mario Galaxy'' (collectors edition)
Prima Guide-SMG Collectors.jpg|''Super Mario Galaxy'' (collectors edition)
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===Nintendo 3DS===
===Nintendo 3DS===
Seven ''Mario'' games for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] have received guides. Two of these, ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' and ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', were also covered in a "Player's Guide Pack" alongside ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]'' and ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds|The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds]]'', featuring truncated renditions of their guides, though the guide's download code also allows readers to unlock the full versions of said guides on the Prima website. Unlike the rest of the guides, the ''New Super Mario Bros. 2'' complete guide is opened upwards. There is a guide for ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', although the guide is shared with the Wii U version as well.  
Seven ''Super Mario'' games for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] have received guides. Two of these, ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' and ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', were also covered in a "Player's Guide Pack" alongside ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]'' and ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds|The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds]]'', featuring truncated renditions of their guides, though the guide's download code also allows readers to unlock the full versions of said guides on the Prima website. Unlike the rest of the guides, the ''New Super Mario Bros. 2'' complete guide is opened upwards. There is a guide for ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', although the guide is shared with the Wii U version as well.  


<gallery>
<gallery>
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===Wii U===
===Wii U===
There are four [[Wii U]] ''Mario'' games that have been covered by Prima. A guide for ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' was also released, but only in a smaller format similar to 3DS game guides. There is also a guide for ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', although the guide is shared with the 3DS version as well.
There are five [[Wii U]] ''Super Mario'' games that have been covered by Prima. A smaller guide in the style of the 3DS game guides was also released for ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]''. There is also a guide for ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', although the guide is shared with the 3DS version as well.


<gallery>
<gallery>
Prima Guide-NL.JPG|''[[Nintendo Land]]
Prima Guide-NL.JPG|''[[Nintendo Land]]
Prima Guide-NSMBU.JPG|''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]
NSMBU Prima Guide.jpg|''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]
Prima Guide-DKCTF.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]
Prima Guide-DKCTF.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]
Prima Guide-Mario Kart 8.jpg|''[[Mario Kart 8]]
Prima Guide-Mario Kart 8.jpg|''[[Mario Kart 8]]
SM3DW-GuideFrontCover.jpg|''Super Mario 3D World'' (collectors edition)
''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' There is a hardcover collector's edition
''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' There is a hardcover collector's edition
</gallery>
</gallery>
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==References==
==References==
{{NIWA|Bulbapedia=1|Nookipedia=1|Pikipedia=Strategy guide#Prima Games|SmashWiki=1|ZeldaWiki=1}}
<references/>
<references/>
{{Wikipedia}}
 
{{companies}}
{{companies}}
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Publications]]
[[Category:Publications]]
[[Category:Merchandise]]

Latest revision as of 20:54, February 20, 2024

It has been requested that more images be uploaded for this article. Remove this notice only after the additional image(s) have been added. Reason: Images for the small Super Mario 3D World and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U guides. A guide for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also exists.

Prima Games
The logo of Prima Games.
Founded 1990
Current president Debra Kempker

Prima Games is a publisher of video game strategy guides founded in 1990 and based in California. The company is a division of Random House.

Prima Games published several officially licensed guidebooks for Super Mario games, which competed with concurrent Nintendo Power guides. Following Nintendo Power's sale by Nintendo of America and acquisition by Future US, Prima entered a partnership with Nintendo in 2007.[1]

Early in its life, the publisher released several unofficial guides (often suffixed with "Unauthorized Game Secrets") to games it did not have a license for. Such guides were made for Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Diddy Kong Racing, and Mario Kart 64, among others.

On November 8, 2018, publisher DK announced that the Prima Games imprint would be discontinued in spring 2019 due to a large decline in strategy guide sales.[2] However, on March 14, 2019, Asteri Holdings acquired the digital assets of Prima Games from DK Publishers.[3]

Gallery of Super Mario-relevant official guides[edit]

Nintendo 64[edit]

Prior to obtaining a license from Nintendo, Prima published several game guides for the Nintendo 64. After becoming licensed, Prima released a few editions which included several games in the one guide. Many of the games which were covered by such editions were the games Prima published before becoming licensed, such as Yoshi's Story.

Game Boy/Game Boy Color[edit]

Many of the games on the Game Boy and Game Boy Color were not vast enough to each have their own game guide, so like the Nintendo 64, several "mash up" editions were published. Two of them featured Mario on the cover. The game Super Mario Bros. Deluxe was the only Super Mario game for the Game Boy Color to get its own guide.

Nintendo GameCube[edit]

The following six guides were published for Super Mario games on the Nintendo GameCube.

Game Boy Advance[edit]

Five Super Mario and one Donkey Kong game guides were published for the Game Boy Advance.

Nintendo DS[edit]

Few guides were made for Super Mario games on the Nintendo DS. A total of six games were covered, but four of them were part of a compilation.

Wii[edit]

Nine Super Mario games were covered by Prima for the Wii console. Both a premiere and collectors edition were published for Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel. The collectors edition included bonus content, such as original concept art.

Nintendo 3DS[edit]

Seven Super Mario games for the Nintendo 3DS have received guides. Two of these, Mario Kart 7 and New Super Mario Bros. 2, were also covered in a "Player's Guide Pack" alongside Animal Crossing: New Leaf and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, featuring truncated renditions of their guides, though the guide's download code also allows readers to unlock the full versions of said guides on the Prima website. Unlike the rest of the guides, the New Super Mario Bros. 2 complete guide is opened upwards. There is a guide for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, although the guide is shared with the Wii U version as well.

Wii U[edit]

There are five Wii U Super Mario games that have been covered by Prima. A smaller guide in the style of the 3DS game guides was also released for Super Mario 3D World. There is also a guide for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, although the guide is shared with the 3DS version as well.

Nintendo Switch[edit]

The guide for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available as both a "starter guide" digital-only version on the Nintendo eShop, and the full guide which is available in print. Super Mario Odyssey was released in two formats: a standard, paperback version and a hardcover "Collector's Edition" that comes with a poster.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Nintendo Power Magazine (Internet Archive: Wayback Machine)
  2. ^ Sommers, Erin (November 08, 2018). People, Etc.: DK to Close Prima Games. PublishersLunch. Retrieved November 09, 2018
  3. ^ Sinclair, Brendan (March 14, 2019). Asteri acquires Prima Games. gamesindustry.biz. Retrieved June 09, 2019