Julio Neves
Nintendo has always had its own rhythm when it comes to releasing games. Even when a title is complete, it doesn’t necessarily hit the shelves right away. This practice has been a hallmark of the Switch era, with games like Pikmin 4 and the Metroid Prime series showing how the company carefully paces its releases. Now, it seems Mario & Luigi: Brothership is another example of this approach.
The newest entry in the beloved Mario & Luigi series was initially revealed in June 2024. However, an intriguing detail has recently come to light. According to Bluesky user ‘pierre485’ (via GoNintendo), the game was rated by the German Ratings Board (USK) a staggering 301 days before it was finally released. That’s nearly a full year of waiting after the game had been deemed ready for public consumption.
While this might seem unusual, it’s hardly unprecedented for Nintendo. The company has a history of sitting on completed games, timing their release for maximum impact or to fill gaps in its release calendar. For example, games like Pikmin 4 were reportedly finished long before their official launch, yet their rollout was carefully planned to align with Nintendo’s broader strategy.
A Stacked 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, Nintendo’s release schedule is shaping up to be just as calculated. The company already has several major first-party titles confirmed for next year, including:
- Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: A remastered version of the classic platformer.
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition: Bringing a fan-favorite Wii U title to a wider audience.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A: The next evolution in the Pokémon Legends series.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: The long-awaited sequel that fans have been eagerly anticipating.
On top of these confirmed games, there are rumors that Nintendo plans to lean more heavily on third-party partnerships in 2025. This shift could help fill gaps in the Switch’s release schedule as the company gears up for the launch of its next-generation system, which is widely expected to be unveiled in the near future.
Why the Wait?
Nintendo’s strategy of holding back completed games might frustrate fans eager to dive into new adventures, but it also reflects a deep understanding of the market. By spacing out releases, Nintendo ensures that its lineup remains strong year-round, preventing lulls that could lead to decreased interest in its platform.
This tactic also helps maintain momentum for the Switch as it enters the later years of its lifecycle. With competition in the gaming market fiercer than ever, Nintendo’s ability to keep fans engaged through a steady stream of high-quality titles is key to its continued success.
The Bigger Picture
For Nintendo fans, the wait for Mario & Luigi: Brothership was undoubtedly worth it. The game has been well-received since its launch, with many praising its charming story, engaging gameplay, and the return of the series’ signature humor. While the delay in its release might have been a surprise, it’s clear that Nintendo’s decision to hold off was part of a larger plan.
As the gaming landscape evolves and the Switch inches closer to the end of its lifecycle, Nintendo’s approach to timing its releases will likely remain a cornerstone of its strategy. Whether it’s giving older titles a second life through remasters or building anticipation for all-new adventures, the company continues to demonstrate its mastery of the gaming industry.
With Mario & Luigi: Brothership now in players’ hands, fans can look forward to what’s next — and rest assured that Nintendo’s calculated timing will ensure that every release feels like an event worth celebrating.
