Everything we know about Super Mario Run

It's been something of a dry spell, but at long last we have some new details on Super Mario Run, the next mobile entry from Nintendo. Nintendo has been a bit resistant in jumping into mobile games, but that's slowly been changing over the course of the year. Earlier in the spring we were treated to Miitomo, a pleasant enough social app that let you get dressed up and collect friends.

Super Mario Run was then announced in September at an Apple press conference, pushing back the anticipated release of the Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem mobile games folks were pretty excited about. We learned that the game was to be an endless runner of sorts, but apart from that, we didn't have a whole lot to go on. Until now, that is, thanks to this latest announcement from Nintendo. Let's take a look at what we can expect from Super Mario Run.

When does it come out?
Nintendo announced today that Super Mario Run launches on iOS on December 15. Those of you on Android devices will have to wait until 2017. The game is free to try, but you'll have to pay the full price of $9.99 if you want access to the game in its entirety. However, this is the only time Nintendo will ask for your hard-earned cash. There are no ads or in-app purchases to trouble you.

How does it play?
Super Mario Run is an endless runner in the sense that Mario runs automatically. However, the gameplay looks quite similar to other Mario games. You jump by tapping the screen, hopping on top of enemies to defeat them and jumping around collecting coins and power ups. If you check out the latest trailer above, the game looks to be very much classic Super Mario, from the level design to the lovingly rendered characters.

Is there a multiplayer component?
There is! If you're looking to face off against internet strangers, game mode Toad Rally lets you get competitive. You'll race across levels in a time trial to beat your opponent to the end of the level, collecting power ups to boost your score.

What else do we get to do?
When you're looking to take a break from the hectic, endless running life, Super Mario Run also features a little kingdom builder that lets you build what looks to be your own vision of the mushroom kingdom using assets from the games.

All told, Super Mario Run is looking quite good, and the lack of IAPs is certainly something to celebrate, $10 price tag or no. Super Mario Run could be the Nintendo mobile nostalgia trip we didn't know we were waiting for.

Are you excited for Super Mario Run? Tell us about it in the comments.