Nintendo is rumored to be hosting their next Direct on September 12th, which just so happens to fall one day before Mario’s 40th anniversary. That timing feels way too perfect to be a coincidence, and it has fans convinced that this showcase could double as a massive celebration for the mustached plumber’s milestone. We’ve seen Nintendo go all-out for Mario anniversaries in the past, and with leaks pointing to a brand-new Super Mario Bros. Collection, this could be one of the biggest Directs of the year. So today, let’s break down what we might see in September—and why Mario could take center stage once again.

How Nintendo Handles Mario Milestones

Nintendo has a long history of celebrating Mario’s anniversaries in big, memorable ways, and these past events give us clues about what they might do for the 40th.

Back in 2015, Nintendo marked the 30th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros. with a major campaign built around Super Mario Maker on Wii U. They announced it in a Nintendo Direct months ahead of release, and the celebration extended far beyond games. Fans got a line of commemorative amiibo, live concerts, and even high-profile collaborations with companies like Hot Wheels and Moschino. It wasn’t just about a single title—it was about pushing Mario into pop culture, reminding everyone how much of a global icon he had become.

Then in 2020, for the 35th Anniversary, Nintendo went even bigger with a dedicated “Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Direct.” This showcase revealed Super Mario 3D All-Stars, bundling together Mario 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy for Switch. Alongside that came Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, the quirky battle-royale style Super Mario Bros. 35, and even a retro-inspired Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. handheld. Once again, Nintendo tied in a wave of merchandise, collaborations, and online events that kept the anniversary alive for months.

These celebrations show a clear pattern: when Mario hits a big milestone, Nintendo doesn’t just drop a game—they craft a whole event around it. That’s why fans believe the 40th Anniversary in 2025 could be even bigger, especially with the Switch still thriving and a new Mario movie on the horizon for 2026.

What’s Being Rumored for the 40th Anniversary

Right now, the biggest rumor surrounding Mario’s 40th is the arrival of a brand-new Super Mario Bros. Collection for Switch. According to recent leaks, this collection could bundle together the New Super Mario Bros. games from DS, Wii, and 3DS into one package. These were some of the best-selling titles of their generation, and bringing them all to the Switch would not only introduce them to a new audience, but also tap into nostalgia for fans who grew up with these 2D adventures. Considering the success of Super Mario 3D All-Stars back in 2020, another anniversary collection feels like a very believable move.

But that’s not all. Some insiders believe Nintendo might use the 40th anniversary to announce a new Mario project entirely—possibly a fresh 2D entry or a remaster of a beloved classic. With Super Mario Bros. Wonder releasing in 2023, Nintendo has already proven that the 2D formula can still feel modern and exciting. A follow-up or a special anniversary spin could easily be on the table, especially since anniversaries give Nintendo the perfect excuse to revisit fan-favorite styles.

Beyond games, there’s also speculation about special hardware or merchandise. Past anniversaries have brought limited-edition consoles, amiibo, and even collaborations with fashion brands. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a Mario-themed OLED Switch—or perhaps even a tease of themed accessories for the next Nintendo console, which is rumored to be on the horizon.

And finally, with the Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel already confirmed for 2026, Nintendo could use the anniversary as a promotional springboard. A teaser trailer, a tie-in product, or even themed events would fit perfectly into their anniversary strategy, keeping Mario front and center across both gaming and entertainment.

What Else Could Be Revealed in a Broader September Direct

While Mario’s 40th anniversary will almost certainly be the centerpiece, Nintendo has plenty of other big projects waiting for updates—and a broader September Direct could be the stage to showcase them. The most obvious candidate is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which is confirmed to be launching in 2025 but still doesn’t have a firm release date. Fans have been waiting nearly a decade for this game, and with anticipation higher than ever, a September Direct feels like the perfect moment for Nintendo to finally lock in its launch window and show off more gameplay.

Another likely appearance is Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a title that has been teased but not deeply detailed yet. The Zelda fanbase has been buzzing about what role this game might play in the series’ timeline, and a September Direct could be Nintendo’s opportunity to dive into story details, gameplay mechanics, and a release plan. Pairing new Zelda content alongside Mario’s anniversary celebrations would help balance the Direct, ensuring it appeals to a wide range of Nintendo fans.

Nintendo also tends to use these September presentations to spotlight third-party partners, giving Switch owners a roadmap of multiplatform titles and exclusives for the holiday season. We could see ports of major games, collaborations with indie studios, or even surprise partnerships. These segments might not grab as many headlines as a Mario or Metroid reveal, but they’re essential for keeping the Switch library vibrant heading into the holidays.

Finally, don’t forget Nintendo’s knack for surprise announcements. In past Directs, we’ve seen everything from brand-new hardware reveals to unexpected remakes and spin-offs. With the Switch successor looming on the horizon, some fans are even hoping for a small tease of what comes next—though Nintendo may save that for later. Still, whether it’s a shock revival of a dormant franchise or a quirky experimental title, there’s always at least one surprise that keeps fans talking long after the Direct ends.

Two directs?

Nintendo has a history of spacing out its announcements to maximize hype, and that’s why some fans believe September could actually bring us two separate Directs. A dedicated Mario showcase on September 12th would let the company go all-in on the plumber’s 40th anniversary without overshadowing other franchises, while a second, broader Direct later in the month could cover everything else—like Metroid Prime 4, Zelda updates, and major third-party reveals. This strategy would give Mario the spotlight he deserves for his milestone birthday, while still keeping the momentum going for Nintendo’s wider 2025 lineup.

Predictions Summary

So, if we put all the pieces together, the most likely scenario is that Nintendo uses September 12th to host a Mario-focused Direct, celebrating the franchise’s 40th anniversary in a big way. At the top of that list is the rumored New Super Mario Bros. Collection, bundling together the DS, Wii, and 3DS entries for modern audiences. Alongside that, we could see a brand-new Mario project—whether it’s a 2D spin-off, a remaster of a beloved classic, or even an entirely new anniversary-themed title. Add in commemorative merchandise, amiibo, and maybe a first look at tie-ins for the upcoming Mario movie sequel, and you’ve got a packed anniversary showcase.

Then, later in the month, Nintendo could return with a general Direct to cover everything else. Here we’d expect updates on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, possibly locking in its release date, and a deeper dive into Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Throw in a wave of third-party reveals, some indie highlights, and maybe even one of Nintendo’s trademark surprise announcements, and you’ve got the kind of Direct that keeps fans buzzing for weeks.

The dual-Direct strategy makes a lot of sense: it allows Nintendo to give Mario the spotlight he deserves for his milestone birthday, while also delivering the broader content fans are waiting for. In short, September could end up being one of the most exciting months of the year for Nintendo fans, blending nostalgia with major new announcements.

Now I want to hear from you—what do you think Nintendo has planned for Mario’s 40th anniversary? Do you believe the rumors about the New Super Mario Bros. Collection, or would you rather see something brand-new, like a completely fresh 2D or 3D Mario adventure?

And beyond Mario, what’s at the top of your wishlist for the broader September Direct? Are you most excited for a Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release date, new Zelda content, or do you think Nintendo will drop a surprise revival of a forgotten franchise?

Let me know your predictions in the comments below. I’ll be watching to see if the community thinks Nintendo will split this into two Directs—one for Mario’s anniversary and another for everything else—or if they’ll cram it all into one huge showcase.

And finally, if you could design the ultimate Mario 40th anniversary reveal, what would it be? A collection? A brand-new game? Maybe even a Mario-themed OLED Switch? Share your dream announcement, and let’s see which ideas get the most love from the community.