Nintendo Switch Online Offers Limited-Time Super Mario 64 Icons for Members
Nintendo fans are in for a nostalgic treat this March as the gaming giant has released a collection of exclusive Super Mario 64 profile icons through its Nintendo Switch Online service. This limited-time offer gives subscribers a chance to celebrate one of gaming's most influential titles while personalizing their profiles. However, players should act quickly – these iconic items are only available until March 31st, requiring specific membership tiers and conditions to claim them.
A Nostalgic Nod to an N64 Classic
Super Mario 64 stands as one of the most revolutionary games in video game history. Released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64 console, it pioneered 3D platforming and helped define a generation of gaming. Nearly three decades later, its influence remains undeniable, with its innovative gameplay mechanics still studied and celebrated by game developers and enthusiasts alike.
Now, Nintendo is giving fans another way to celebrate this beloved classic through special profile icons available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
What's Being Offered?
The limited-time promotion features a collection of profile icons showcasing iconic characters and elements from Super Mario 64. Players can customize their Nintendo Switch profiles with images of Mario himself, villains like Bowser and King Bob-omb, and other memorable assets from the game.
These icons aren't entirely new – they were previously available in 2022 – but this marks their first return in nearly two years. Given the extended gap between offerings, there's no guarantee they'll become available again anytime soon after this promotion ends.
How to Claim Your Free Icons
Accessing these nostalgic treasures requires a few specific steps:
- Navigate to the Nintendo Switch home screen
- Select the "Nintendo Switch Online" application
- Go to the "Missions & Rewards" section
- Browse available Super Mario 64 icons
- Redeem your Platinum Points to claim them
Each character icon costs 10 Platinum Points, while backgrounds and borders are priced at 5 Platinum Points each. Platinum Points are Nintendo's free rewards currency earned through various Nintendo activities and don't require additional purchases.
Important Requirements to Note
Before rushing to claim these icons, be aware of several key requirements:
- Membership Tier: You must have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which is the premium tier costing $49.99 annually (compared to the standard $19.99 tier)
- Game Play Requirement: For some of these icons, you need to have played Super Mario 64 across three or more sessions (separated by at least 24 hours) within the past month
- Deadline: All icons must be claimed by March 31st, 2024
The good news is that once claimed, these icons remain yours permanently, even if your Nintendo Switch Online membership lapses in the future.
Why Super Mario 64 Matters
It's difficult to overstate Super Mario 64's importance in gaming history. As Nintendo's flagship title for the N64 console, it successfully translated the beloved Mario formula into three dimensions while establishing mechanics that would become industry standards.
The game remains the best-selling title on the N64 platform and is widely regarded as one of the most influential video games ever created. Its availability on the Nintendo Switch through the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection (released in 2020) introduced it to a new generation of players, ensuring its legacy continues.
Looking Ahead
While this icon offer is a small gesture, it reflects Nintendo's understanding of its fans' nostalgia and appreciation for gaming history. For collectors and Mario enthusiasts, these profile icons represent another way to showcase their passion for classic Nintendo titles.
If you're interested in future icon releases, now might be the perfect time to start playing other Mario titles on your Switch, as play requirements are often established for upcoming icon waves.
Don't miss your chance to grab these Super Mario 64 icons before they disappear on March 31st. They offer a fun way to personalize your gaming experience while celebrating one of Nintendo's most groundbreaking achievements.
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