For 45 years, Super Mario has saved the Mushroom Kingdom, bested dragons, ghosts, apes and aliens without having to catch his breath. From the deepest undersea caverns to the glimmering stars above, video games’ most beloved hero has done it all. And to think, all of this while his wallet and keys were likely smushed together against his hip. After the dust settled from some stirring Nintendo Directs this month, eagle eyed fans spotted a cosmetic change to Mario’s character model, adding some further functionality to his outrageously durable overalls.
Kirby, Samus and Zelda were the main attractions to this month’s dual Nintendo Direct streams. While rumors were humming of a new 3D Mario in the works, the most we saw of the signature plumber was in a respectable update for Mario Kart World. While it didn’t make the promo reel, it turns out Mario did get some attention from the company, albeit in a far more specific fashion. A fashion-minded fashion.
THE NEW MARIO RENDER pic.twitter.com/pdzu8m58jf
— SwagKirb (@Swag_K1RBY) September 18, 2026
Certain fans noticed that following the Directs, Nintendo updated various renders for Mario on their websites. It appears the Super Mario logo got a bit of a spit shine (like, actually, they gave it a very shiny bevel) but more crucially have made some cosmetic changes for Mario himself. After nearly a half century of adventures, with technology to accomplish such refined fidelity, Nintendo has given Mario those little coin pockets you keep pre-rolls in.
While Mario’s never struggled to juggle Super Mushrooms or Fire Flowers in the past, these new overalls will make carrying loose change, grocery receipts and BiC lighters far easier. The detail and texture to Mario’s pants have been fluctuating since Super Smash Bros. Melee, the sudden realism admittedly looking a little uncanny against his flat, flawless skin. Mario’s had plenty pockets, sure, but they seem practically painted on. And while his clothes continue to conform to his Mickey Mouse physique, these new pockets seem to have a little more give. I just hope Mario hasn’t been ground pounding on his keys the whole time.