Attention Bay Area gamers and nostalgia enthusiasts! Nintendo is dropping a mega Mario celebration this weekend that’ll make your inner child squeal with delight.

The Union Square Nintendo Store is hosting a Mario mascot extravaganza to commemorate 40 years of the iconic video game that basically defined an entire generation’s childhood. From Saturday to Sunday, you can snag a once-in-a-lifetime photo with everyone’s favorite mustachioed plumber.

A Nostalgic Playground for Grown-Up Gamers

Think you’re too cool for a Mario photo op? Think again. These fan appearances are happening from 1-5 PM Saturday and 12-4 PM Sunday, with zero reservation system - it’s pure first-come, first-served chaos. Pro tip: If you want that perfect Instagram shot, you might want to camp out early.

More Than Just a Photo Opportunity

This isn’t just about taking selfies. Nintendo is going all out for Mario’s 40th anniversary, with hints of new Switch games and the upcoming “Mario Tennis Fever” dropping in early 2026. Bonus trivia: Mario actually first appeared in “Donkey Kong” back in 1981 - yeah, we’re doing the math too.

The Digital Nostalgia Continues

The Mario madness culminates with “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” hitting theaters on April 3, 2026. Nintendo’s clearly betting big on San Francisco’s massive gaming community, with company president Doug Bowser (yes, that’s his real name) declaring the city’s “passionate population” as a key market.

So grab your controllers, dust off your vintage game knowledge, and get ready to relive some serious childhood memories - Mario style.