Report updated Apr 4, 2026
Super Mario Run
v3.4.0Casual gamers and Mario fans looking for accessible, high-quality platforming experiences that can be played in short bursts on mobile devices.
What Is Super Mario Run?
Launched Sep 7, 2016
Updated Apr 2026
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
Optimized control scheme allowing users to play the game using only one hand via simple taps.
Classic platforming campaign featuring 24 courses across various environments to rescue Princess Peach.
Asynchronous multiplayer mode where players compete for high scores and gather Toads to populate their kingdom.
Creative mode allowing users to design and customize their own kingdom using items unlocked through gameplay.
Bite-sized, fast-paced mode consisting of 10 short, randomized courses for quick play sessions.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a mixed sentiment. Users appreciate core gameplay quality and nostalgia, but report aggressive paywall and restrictive movement.”
What Users Love
It’s a decent game... I'm old school Mario and I love this
It is fun... It's good quality!
It's not just a game it's an emotion for those who played super mario bros
Pain Points
It’s just pay to win... you get to play only 3 levels and then it hits you with 'hey want to continue? give us money'
I don't like that they turned it into a running game. I'd rather be able to control his speed
High confidence · 99 reviews available
How is it ranked?
| Chart | Rank | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Free | #53 | ▲13 |
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Unmatched brand equity (Mario IP)
- High production polish and intuitive one-handed UX
- Strong asynchronous multiplayer (Toad Rally)
- Ad-free premium experience after unlock
Cons
- High friction paywall cliff
- Lack of manual movement control
- Mandatory internet connectivity
- Technical soft-locking issues
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Subscription model integration (Apple Arcade/Netflix)
- More generous F2P progression tiers
- Social features for Kingdom Builder
- Seasonal live-ops events
Market Threats
- Dominant F2P runners (Subway Surfers)
- Evolving combat-runners with deeper mechanics
- Negative perception of one-time $9.99 price point
- Premium competitors with better offline support
Who competes with Super Mario Run?
The Nemesis
Why it's a threat
- +
Users are happier — sentiment 88/100 vs 55
- +
Higher rated at 4.6★ vs 3.9★
Contenders
Offers a premium, stylish auto-running experience that mirrors Mario's focus on 'stylish jumps' and high-quality production.
One-touch Trick System
A highly technical 'autorunner' that focuses exclusively on the precision jumping and timing mechanics central to Super Mario Run.
Color-Switching Mechanic
Combines auto-running gameplay with a base-building meta-game similar to the Kingdom Builder mode.
Home Building & Customization
Peers
A foundational 3D runner that competes for the same broad casual audience interested in simple, reflexive gameplay.
Dynamic Environmental Hazards
Oddmar
★4.8 (11K)Mobge Ltd
A premium platformer that, while not strictly auto-run, targets the same user base looking for high-quality, console-grade mobile experiences.
A premium platformer that, while not strictly auto-run, targets the same user base looking for high-quality, console-grade mobile experiences.
Leo's Fortune
1337 & Senri LLC
A high-fidelity platformer that competes for users willing to pay a one-time fee for a premium, ad-free experience.
A high-fidelity platformer that competes for users willing to pay a one-time fee for a premium, ad-free experience.
Dan The Man Platformer
★4.8 (159K)Halfbrick Studios
An action-platformer that shares the retro aesthetic and bite-sized level design of Mario's mobile outing.
An action-platformer that shares the retro aesthetic and bite-sized level design of Mario's mobile outing.
New Kids on the Block
A new IP-driven title on Netflix Games that competes for the same casual platformer/runner audience.
Netflix Exclusive Content
Ninja Must Die
★4.8 (7K)Pandada Games
A fast-growing, highly stylized combat runner that evolves the auto-run genre with deeper action mechanics.
A fast-growing, highly stylized combat runner that evolves the auto-run genre with deeper action mechanics.
What are the key takeaways?
Super Mario Run is a divisive games app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 3.9/5 rating from 1.7M reviews, it receives mixed feedback from users. Users particularly appreciate core gameplay quality, though aggressive paywall remains a common concern.
Best for: Casual gamers and Mario fans looking for accessible, high-quality platforming experiences that can be played in short bursts on mobile devices.
How much does it cost?
Model: freemium
Uses a 'try-before-you-buy' model rather than traditional microtransactions, focusing on a single conversion point to unlock the full game experience. This creates high friction but maintains a premium, ad-free feel.
iOS Version
3.4.0
Android Version
3.4.0
Release Date
Sep 7, 2016
iOS Price
Free
Android Price
Free
Developer
Nintendo Co., Ltd.