Mario Day 2026 is almost here, and this year’s celebration feels bigger than ever. March 10 — cleverly stylized as MAR10 — has long been a yearly tribute to Nintendo’s iconic plumber, but 2026 brings a unique twist. It marks the first Mario Day since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, coincides with early momentum toward Mario’s 40th anniversary, and builds anticipation for next month’s Super Mario Galaxy Movie release.

From newly announced Nintendo Classics titles to retailer deals and a special Switch 2 bundle overseas, here’s everything we know so far — and what players should keep on their radar.

What Is Mario Day and Why MAR10?

Mario Day is Nintendo’s annual celebration of its legendary mascot, Mario. It takes place every year on March 10 because “MAR10” resembles the name “Mario.” Over time, the date has become a reliable window for game discounts, themed console bundles, digital promotions, and surprise announcements.

While some years lean more heavily on sales, others deliver nostalgic content drops or hardware reveals. With the Switch 2 entering its first Mario Day cycle, expectations are naturally higher in 2026.

New Nintendo Classics Titles Arrive March 10

Nintendo has already confirmed part of its Mario Day lineup: three vintage Mario titles are joining the Nintendo Classics catalog for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers on March 10, 2026.

Here’s what’s coming:

Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Game Boy Advance, 2004)

The original puzzle-platformer that blends classic arcade-style gameplay with brain-teasing level design.

Mario's Tennis (Virtual Boy, 1995)

A retro sports title from Nintendo’s experimental red-and-black 3D console era.

Mario Clash (Virtual Boy, 1995)

A fast-paced action title that brings arcade-style enemy juggling into the Virtual Boy library.

The inclusion of two Virtual Boy titles continues Nintendo’s recent push to expand its more niche retro libraries. With the service now offering access to eight classic console collections — including the third-party-supported Sega Genesis lineup — Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers are steadily gaining access to a broader slice of gaming history.

Some fans were hoping to see Super Mario Sunshine land in the GameCube library this spring, but Nintendo appears to be spacing out its major nostalgia drops. That doesn’t rule out a future reveal — it just means patience may be required.

Will There Be Switch and Switch 2 Game Deals?

Historically, Mario Day brings meaningful discounts on first-party Nintendo titles. In previous years, major Mario platformers, spin-offs, and party games have received price cuts across both digital and physical storefronts.

For 2026, the big question is whether Switch 2 exclusives will be included.

There’s no official confirmation yet, but precedent suggests most deals will likely focus on established Nintendo Switch titles rather than brand-new Switch 2 exclusives. That said, there were modest promotions on newer titles during last year’s awards season, so light discounts aren’t out of the question.

A substantial digital sale inside the Nintendo eShop, for players who prefer going digital, this is often the perfect time to redeem a Nintendo eShop Gift Card and stock up on discounted first-party hits.

Mario Day 2026 Switch 2 Console Bundle

Nintendo typically releases a themed console bundle for Mario Day, usually featuring standard hardware packaging plus a pack-in game or subscription incentive.

While Nintendo of America has not officially announced a North American bundle yet, an Australian and New Zealand promotion has already surfaced. The overseas offer includes:

• A standard Nintendo Switch 2

• The Mario Kart World bundle

• A free one-year membership to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

That’s effectively around $50 in added subscription value, stacked on top of the existing game bundle savings. While regional bundles often differ, this gives a strong hint at what other markets might see — possibly with slight variations in included titles or subscription tiers.

With Switch 2 approaching its first full year on the market, Mario Day provides a strategic opportunity for Nintendo to drive late adopters toward the newer hardware.

The Bigger Picture: Switch 2’s First MAR10

Mario Day 2026 isn’t just about sales — it’s about momentum.

The Switch 2 is still early in its lifecycle, and Nintendo is carefully balancing nostalgia with forward-looking content. By adding legacy Mario titles to Nintendo Classics while teasing future projects tied to the franchise’s 40th anniversary, the company is reinforcing Mario’s cross-generational appeal.

Rumors continue to circulate online about additional classic console libraries potentially joining the Switch Online ecosystem. Whether those whispers materialize this year remains to be seen, but the steady expansion of retro offerings suggests Nintendo understands the value of its back catalog.

Final Thoughts

Mario Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most layered MAR10 celebrations yet. It combines:

• Retro Nintendo Classics additions

• Potential first-party game discounts

• A Switch 2 bundle promotion

• Growing anticipation for Mario’s 40th anniversary

• Cross-media momentum with the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Alternatively, you can look for Cheap Nintendo eShop Keys from reputable IGXC to maximize your savings during promotional periods. Whether you’re a longtime fan who grew up with the Game Boy Advance era or a new Switch 2 owner diving into Mario’s adventures for the first time, March 10 offers something worth checking out.