Ever since the very first Super Mario Bros. game was released in 1985, generations of fans throughout the years have grown up playing video games that starred the famous red jumpsuit-wearing plumber. Parents who grew up with these games now have an option to start their kids’ love for Super Mario at a very young age—through a new set of wooden block toys that features Mario and his friends.

Designed for kids over the age of one-and-a-half years old, the new wooden toys come in two varieties: Super Mario Coaster and Super Mario Blocks. They were made by Japanese toy company Kawada Co. Ltd., and were released for sale on January 11, 2020.

The first toy, Super Mario Coaster has some of the most recognizable characters from the games in uniquely shaped blocks. The main goal is to be able to move the blocks around and follow the colored tubes, but the toy also has special features for characters like Peach, who has a curved walkway made specially to move her around in, and Mario, who jumps up and down at the push of a small platform.

Despite its simple nature, the toy can help stimulate the senses of children as they play, and it can also help kids learn shape and color recognition through the Super Mario-themed blocks.

The other variation, however, is a good option for parents who might want their children to experience a more creative type of play.

Super Mario Blocks is made up of a set of 31 wooden blocks, 13 of which are meant for the video game characters. Aside from the usual mainstays, other familiar faces such as Bowser, Lakitu and Chain Chomp also make an appearance. The other 18 blocks are of various elements taken straight out of the game, which can be used as foundations for the mini Super Mario world the kids will build for themselves.

Both toys also come with a “communication book” that suggests different ways children can interact and play with the blocks depending on their age and development.

The Super Mario Coaster and Super Mario Blocks are both priced at 3,800 yen (excluding tax), and can be found in different department stores and toy stores all over Japan.


By - Jen Laforteza.