Les collaborations officielles entre Mario et d'autres jeux

Official collaborations between Mario and other games

1075 words | Reading time : 5 minute(s)

GuideCrossoversNintendo

Mario has raced with Sonic, tended a garden with Animal Crossing and gone to war alongside the Rabbids. This overview rounds up the franchise's official collaborations: the Zelda nod as early as 1999, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games in 2008, the bridges with Animal Crossing in 2014 and 2021, Mario + Rabbids in 2017 and the arrival of LEGO Super Mario in 2020.

While Mario is Nintendo's undisputed ambassador, he rarely stays alone in his Mushroom Kingdom. For several years now, Nintendo has been multiplying the official collaborations between Mario and other iconic franchises such as Zelda, Animal Crossing, Donkey Kong or the Rabbids. These unexpected crossovers deliver rich, varied experiences that are often full of surprises. Here are the most memorable ones.

For the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., the LEGO Super Mario range slipped an electronic Mario into the heart of the building set.

Contents

1. Mario & Zelda: a quiet but lasting alliance

  • Super Smash Bros.: Mario and Link have been trading blows since 1999.
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Link playable with the Master Cycle.
  • Super Mario Maker 2: adds Link with unique gameplay (bow, bomb, shield).
Nintendo Switch cover art for Super Mario Maker 2
Collaborations often come through the level editor, which welcomes costumes and knowing nods.

2. Mario & Animal Crossing: from home decor to karting

  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons: a Mario decoration pack with Warp Pipes and themed furniture.
  • Mario Kart 8: a course based on Animal Crossing, Villager and Isabelle playable.
  • Super Smash Bros.: Villager and Isabelle take on Mario in shared arenas.
Wii U cover art for Mario Kart 8
Mario Kart 8 opened its tracks to guests from other Nintendo franchises.

3. Mario & Donkey Kong: a shared history

  • Mario vs. Donkey Kong: a puzzle-game series spread across several consoles.
  • Spin-offs: Donkey Kong playable in Smash, Mario Kart and the sports games.

4. Mario + Rabbids: a bold crossover

  • Kingdom Battle (2017): a comedic tactical RPG developed by Ubisoft.
  • Sparks of Hope (2022): a semi-open world, free-form gameplay and new mechanics.

5. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

  • A series running since 2008: one official game for every edition of the Games since Beijing 2008.
  • Sport, arcade action, nostalgia: a historic bridge between Nintendo and SEGA.

6. Other notable collaborations

  • LEGO Super Mario: interactive toys with sensors, apps and updates.
  • Minecraft: a Switch-exclusive Mario pack with official music and textures.
  • Skylanders SuperChargers: Bowser and Donkey Kong playable with Amiibo-compatible figures.
  • Tetris DS: a Super Mario mode with retro visuals and classic tunes.
  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: a genuine interactive Nintendo museum, bringing together more than 80 characters from different universes.
Nintendo Switch cover art for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Ultimate takes the idea all the way: the entire Nintendo cast, and far beyond.

Timeline of the major collaborations

Year Franchise Type of collaboration Main game
1999 Zelda Fighter in Smash Bros. Super Smash Bros.
2008 Sonic Sports games Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
2014 Animal Crossing Playable characters Smash 4, Mario Kart 8
2017 Rabbids Tactical crossover game Kingdom Battle
2020 LEGO Interactive toys LEGO Super Mario
2021 Animal Crossing In-game Mario items New Horizons
2022 Rabbids Crossover sequel Sparks of Hope

Dream collaborations we're still waiting for

  • Mario × Metroid: an adventure blending platforming with sci-fi exploration.
  • Mario × Kirby: a platformer merging powers and transformations.
  • Mario × Splatoon: colorful worlds, competitive fun, special outfits or shared stages.
  • Super Mario RPG 2 (with Square Enix): the return of a legendary partnership.

🍄 Want to keep the adventure going? Discover our Mario plushies in the shop.

FAQ – Mario collaborations

  • Which collaboration is the most successful?
    “Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle” is often praised for its originality and its gameplay.
  • Which non-Mario character shows up at his side the most?
    Link, Sonic and Donkey Kong are the most recurring ones, playable alongside Mario in several games.
  • Is there a game that brings together every Nintendo hero?
    Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the ultimate crossover, with more than 80 characters.
  • Does Mario collaborate outside of games?
    Yes: LEGO, theme parks, Uniqlo clothing, McDonald's and, more recently, the big screen (Illumination).

Conclusion

Whether it's Olympic events, karting, strategy or brick building, Mario has managed to cross the borders of his own universe to team up with the biggest names in video games. These crossovers enrich the player's experience while celebrating Nintendo culture in all its diversity. With the Mario brand expanding into film, into toys and beyond, there is no doubt that other memorable collaborations will soon see the light of day.

Beyond the consoles

Cinema, television, the composers and the theme parks: what Mario has become away from the controllers.

🎬 Mario in film and culture →
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