'Super Mario Run' Android release date: 5 things to expect on March 23

The popular "Super Mario Run" game will be arriving on Android very soon. After a successful game release in December, Nintendo confirmed that an Android version would arrive sometime in March. Now, it has been announced that the 2.0.0 update of the title is coming to Android via the Google Play store on March 23.

The title's expansion was confirmed via the gaming firm's Twitter. Moreover, the post shared the update's schedule of arrival and pre-order link. The tweet (see below) has been liked nearly 4,000 times since its posting.

According to Polygon, Nintendo's first ever mobile game will be available for both iOS and Android platforms. Since its release in December, the game has been downloaded 78 million times from the App Store.

The title's free download version comes with level samples, but there is an in-app purchase of US$10 (AU$13). The premium version provides access to every course available. Nintendo estimates about 5 percent of players have paid for the premium version, which has brought the title millions in revenue. Nintendo has made approximately US$53 million (AU$69 million) in revenue.

The cost of the premium version has previously caused an uproar with many gamers complaining the cost was too expensive. "Pricing was designed to reassure parents that they would be charged just once, not multiple times," Nintendo explained (via HotHardWare).

It added that the organisation hopes people will interact with game characters to "bridge" console gaming and foster better creative synergies.

One of the biggest concerns with the Android "Super Mario Run" version is Android piracy. Nintendo has prepared for this inevitability and has put in place strong IP policies and rules and regulations. As it stands, not much is known about the upcoming update but it's likely there will be additional levels along with other new features, noted BGR.

"Super Mario Run" was built with touchscreen functionality in mind. The game has a total of 24 levels in the World Tour mode and has a rally mode and multiplayer challenges as well. In the game, players can collect items and decorate their Mushroom Kingdom as they see fit.

Starting March 23, Android users will be able to download the freemium title. Interested players can also pre-register for the title here.