Nintendo's upcoming app lets kids smoosh Mario's face

Nintendo just announced a forthcoming app called Hello Mario! that's headed to iOS, Android and the Switch in Japan. The free app seems pretty basic, as it's just a giant Mario head that users can poke and prod. That sounds eerily reminiscent of the intro screen of Super Mario 64.

The company says that Mario will react in various ways based on player input. His face will even turn "around and around on the screen" when manhandled. Nintendo says "parents and young children" should play together to "enjoy each reaction they see."

The app rolls out on August 26, but we don't know if it'll be released outside of Japan. We reached out to Nintendo for information on a global launch.

Beyond the app, Nintendo is releasing a bunch of new Mario-themed products for kids. These include plush toys, teething toys, dinnerware, clothing and an ...