There Nintendo Switch 2released on June 5, 2025, was not launched with an avalanche of free games from Nintendo. But the situation is discreetly changing: a new, completely free “Mario game” has just been released on the console, at no extra cost and without a subscription.
Behind this surprise lies Hello Yoshi!a fun app designed for children, but already appreciated by adults too. Available since April 9, 2026 in France, it is part of the range My Marioand confirms Nintendo’s desire to strengthen the family offering of the Switch 2. We take stock of this “gift” at the start of the generation.
Switch 2: a free Mario game hidden in the eShop with Hello Yoshi
Hello Yoshi! is a free application stamped My Mariodownloadable from Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2iOS and Android via the Nintendo eShopthe App Store and Google Play. The title was already available in Japan since November 2025, but it has only just officially arrived in the West, recalls ComicBook. On mobile, it has a perfect score of 5/5 on iOS and 4.7/5 on Android, with very positive reviews.
On the App Store, one player explains: “I’ve been waiting for this app in the US, and it’s finally out. It doesn’t have a lot of features, but I actually don’t care because playing with the interactive Yoshi is a lot of fun and takes the stress away.” Another summed it up: “This is a great game! Even though I’m an adult, I really enjoy this mini game. It reminded me Super Mario 64,” while a third points out that “It’s a very cute game targeted towards a younger audience. I would recommend it!”
Hello Yoshi on Switch 2: what does this My Mario toy really do?
Here, no levels or scoring: Hello Yoshi! presents itself as a “digital toy”. The screen displays a close-up of the face of Yoshi and the player can touch him, pull his cheeks, turn his head or stick objects typical of the Mario universe, such as a Super Mushroom, a Super Star, pipes or enemies. The idea is strongly reminiscent of the title screen of Super Mario 64but adapted to touch.
At times, a Boo arises for a very simple little game of hide and seek, ideal for ultra short sessions with a child. Classified PEGI 3the application is clearly aimed at 3-7 year olds, but Nintendo specifies that it remains fun for everyone. Another clever detail: after a certain amount of playing time, Yoshi ends up falling asleep, a visual signal designed to encourage screen breaks. Once downloaded, the software works entirely offline, convenient for offline journeys.
Hello Yoshi: availability, price on Switch 2 and what Nintendo is preparing
In Europe, the strategy started on February 19, 2026 with Hello Mario!then was enriched on April 9, 2026 with Hello Yoshi!both of which are free on Nintendo Switch 2. The file weighs around 174 MB on Switch 2, making it a lightweight download even on an already full internal memory. No Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required and the app does not contain in-app purchases.
To retrieve it, simply open the Nintendo eShop of the Switch 2, to search Hello Yoshi! then start the download, displayed at a price of €0. Nintendo has not announced any additional content or new characters, and these little My Mario experiences are generally not updated much. But with two free Mario apps in less than a year on Switch 2, the manufacturer is sending a clear signal: the console wants to win back families, and this interactive Yoshi looks like a first big cartridge in this direction.