Super Mario Run Disappeared From The App Store, Then Came Back

It’s not all that strange for an app to disappear from the Apple App store, but when Nintendo’s first major mobile game Super Mario Run vanished into thin air, it would naturally cause a stir. The fuss didn’t last long, however, as the game was immediately brought back. This is fortunate since not all mobile spin-offs of major properties get the same treatment.

The disappearance act happened earlier in the day, which was when NDTV and many other publications noticed that the mobile Mario game was no longer available for download on iOS devices. A few hours later, the app came back with an update. With version 3.03 came a few bug fixes that addressed some issues with the game.

As to why publications made such a fuss over the vanishing plumber, it’s because it would have huge implications on Nintendo’s efforts when it comes to the mobile industry. Granted, Super Mario Run isn’t the first title by a major video game company to have been pulled out of the App Store. EA did the same to Dead Space and Mass Effect Infiltrator, while 2K yanked BioShock from the store as well.

These games never came back, much to the disappointment of some fans. By bringing back Super Mario Run, Nintendo shows that it is at least willing to give mobile a few more chances to make a business impact.

Interestingly enough, there have been no explanations to the disappearance of the game from either Apple or Nintendo, Nintendo Life reports. Normally, companies would at least assure players that the game they may have paid money for is still valid on the platforms they are playing on. The lack of any statements could either mean that neither company believes it was anything major or both believe that bringing the game back is enough.