Super Mario Bros. Wonder

About

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a new 2D mainline entry in the Super Mario Bros. franchise released in October of 2023. Following its reveal in a June 2023 Nintendo Direct, it became a subject of discussion on the internet.

History

On June 21st, 2023, Nintendo streamed a Nintendo Direct presentation. The last game shown during the Direct that was shown was a new 2D platform called Super Mario Bros. Wonder, which not only has a new artstyle compared to its previous 2D games, but is also the first mainline game where Princess Daisy is playable (shown below).

The game will feature a brand new power-up called the Wonder Flower, which changes the mechanics of the level or transforms the player via the Wonder Effect. It will also feature a 4-player co-up like the previous 2D games. It marks the first 2D Super Mario game since Super Mario Land 2 not to use the New Super Mario Bros. moniker.

Online Presence

Immediately after the Direct ended, the game became a trending topic online. Many users posted fan art related to the elements shown in the trailer. For example, on June 23rd, 2023, Twitter user @Suyasuyabi427^[1] posted a poster for the game, gaining over 3,600 retweets and 17,000 likes in one week (shown below, left). On the 22nd, user @brojorgedraws^[2] posted art emphasizing Princess Daisy's strength, gaining over 640 retweets and 3,500 likes in one week (shown below, right).

Elephant Mario

Near the end of the trailer, Mario collects a new power-up that transforms him into an anthropomorphic elephant. Following the reveal of "Elephant Mario," the character quickly spread online with memes and fan art.

That Goomba Looks So Serene

That Goomba Looks So Serene is a catchphrase used in a series of memes based on a clip of Elephant Mario kicking a sleeping Goomba in a clip from the end of the direct. In the memes, screaming sounds and other sound effects are added as Goomba flies into the sky.

Search Interest

External References