Every year, March 10 marks Mario Day, a symbolic date that has become essential for fans of the famous mustachioed plumber. In 2026, Nintendo decided to celebrate the event by offering a digital gift to Nintendo Switch players.
Starting March 10, three games from the Mario universe will be available for free to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers with the expansion pack. An offer that focuses on nostalgia and retro classics.
Three free Mario games for Switch Online subscribers
Nintendo will make three very distinct titles available. Subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service will be able to download:
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong on Game Boy Advance
- Mario’s Tennis on Virtual Boy
- Mario Clash on Virtual Boy
These games will be accessible via the retro applications integrated into the Nintendo Switch. The Game Boy Advance application welcomes Mario vs. Donkey Kong, while the recent Virtual Boy application continues to expand its catalog with two additional titles. Mario vs. Donkey Kong, released in 2004 on Game Boy Advance, is a game combining platform and reflection. It is one of the episodes appreciated by fans for its puzzles and its demanding pace.
Access reserved for the expansion pack
Not all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will be able to access this offer. The three games are reserved for members with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan. This premium version of the service provides access to an extensive catalog including Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, GameCube and now Virtual Boy games. Its price is indicated around $50. Players who only have the standard subscription will need to upgrade to the next pack to take advantage of the Mario games offered during Mario Day.
Retro choices that are already dividing fans
If the announcement arouses enthusiasm among fans of retro gaming, some players could be surprised by the choice of titles offered. Mario’s Tennis and Mario Clash come from the Virtual Boy catalog, a console released in 1995 and remained relatively confidential. These games are not among the most well-known episodes of the Mario franchise.
Mario’s Tennis lets you play as several iconic characters in stereoscopic 3D tennis matches. Mario Clash offers a three-dimensional reinterpretation of the original Mario Bros. concept. These titles, less popular than other cult episodes of the series, could nevertheless appeal to fans looking for discoveries or nostalgia.
An annual tradition that has become essential
Over the years, Mario Day has become an event awaited by the Nintendo community. Every March 10, the firm highlights its mascot with promotions, announcements or special content. In 2026, the focus is on the retro catalog and the enrichment of Nintendo Switch Online applications. This strategy allows Nintendo to promote its heritage while strengthening interest in its premium subscription. Players subscribed to the expansion pack will be able to download these three games from March 10 and immerse themselves in different eras of Mario history.