Parents' Guide to Super Mario Run

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Free to try Arcade Games
Super Mario Run Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Paul Semel By Paul Semel , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Classic, mustachioed hero jumps into fun, mobile world.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Super Mario Run App: Screenshot #1
  • Super Mario Run App: Screenshot #2
  • Super Mario Run App: Screenshot #3

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 5 parent reviews

 

 

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age 5+

Based on 12 kid reviews

Kids say the game combines elements of popular Mario titles, offering enjoyable platforming for both children and adults, though it faces criticism due to its high cost and limited gameplay features locked behind a paywall. While some children love the app for its simplicity and fun aspects, many reviewers express disappointment about the short duration of content, repetitive bosses, and overall pricing strategy.

  • fun for kids
  • high cost
  • limited content
  • repetitive gameplay
  • enjoyable platforming
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 12 kid reviews

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What's It About?

As you do in Super Mario Bros., SUPER MARIO RUN has Mario running and jumping his way through an obstacle course full of jumps, pitfalls, crazy enemies, and gold coins -- except that in this game, you don't get to decide when, and in what direction, Mario moves. Instead, he's constantly running, and toward the finish line. He can also jump further, which you make him do by holding your finger down on the screen instead of only tapping it. Along with the main game, there's a mode called "Toad Rally," in which you compete against a virtual version of other people's runs. You can also use the coins you collect to build your own kingdom and even unlock more courses by building such structures as the "Bonus Game" house. Players can also toggle the music on and off.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 5 ):
Kids say ( 12 ):

By combining the classic gameplay of Super Mario Bros. with the tenets of an endless runner, Nintendo has created a great mobile game for Mario lovers of all ages. Though the additions seem simple, they actually make this feel like a unique take on an old favorite, especially since this otherwise looks, sounds, and plays like a classic Mario game. Sadly, though, you can't play this if your phone or tablet isn't connected to the internet, which means you can't play on planes or in the car if your coverage is spotty or even in your own bathroom if your Wi-Fi is weak. Having to be connected is a real bummer because, when you can play it, Super Mario Run is the most fun we've had with Mario since, well, his last lengthy jog.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about playing video games in balance with other activities. Since Super Mario Run is the type of game that might be hard to stop playing, what's a good stopping point? For how long is it OK to play?

  • Talk about the story within the game. What is Mario trying to do? Why?

  • Discuss the in-game currency and how kids want to use it to build their own kingdoms. Are they going to save coins? If so, for what? How is that process similar to real life?

App Details

  • Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
  • Pricing structure : Free to try ($9.99 to access full content)
  • Release date : December 30, 2016
  • Genre : Arcade Games
  • Topics : Adventures
  • Publisher : Nintendo
  • Version : 1.0
  • Minimum software requirements : iOS 8.0 or later
  • Last updated : October 9, 2025

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