While the Android universe is still stewing over the belated March release of Super Mario Run in the platform, its iOS version is already getting a new update that introduces a number of changes.
The news was first announced at Twitter by Nintendo America.
The release notes for the version 1.1.0 posted at the Apple App Store shortly after have explained the changes in more detail. Most importantly, the update is rolling out a new Easy Mode and a significant tweak to Toad Rally.
New Super Mario Run Features
According to Nintendo, the Easy Mode is for players who just want to explore the game courses, without any pressure. The gameplay has included unlimited Bubbles while the time limit was also lifted.
Meanwhile, players will now lose fewer Toads when losing in the Toad Rally mode. Nintendo has also tweaked the app so that it is now easier to gather these items, which serve as the currency to buy some bling to improve your castle with.
"After receiving the My Nintendo reward Toad, he cannot be received again if save data is deleted," Nintendo also stated. "In order to resolve this issue, there is no longer a limit on the number of times Toad can be downloaded."
Version 1.1.0 also included fix to bugs and issues as well as Korean language support.
Update As Player Incentive
The Super Mario Run update could be seen as a form of incentive to iOS users. It came on the heels of Nintendo's announcement that the game has already been downloaded 78 million times.
The company has sent out a free gift to players when installations breached 50 million in December.
One should also note that Nintendo has come under fire for the way players were required to cough up $9.99 after finishing three levels. During the peak of the backlash, the app's ranking plummeted in several countries.
This prompted Nintendo to release a survey, asking players how much they are willing to pay to unlock the full Super Mario Run game.
Monetizing Super Mario Run
Nintendo is now boasting that 5 percent of the 78 million players have paid for the game, which is translated to about $53 million. Inside sources, however, revealed that Nintendo's CEO Tatsumi Kimishima is not pleased about the figure, expecting a higher conversion rate.
Analysts estimate that if Nintendo lowers the price, it could earn more, persuading more than 10 percent of the players to pay.
For those turned off by Super Mario Run's expensive pricing, Nintendo will be unleashing a free-to-pay title for the Android and iOS platforms, the strategy game called Fire Emblem Heroes. It will hit the App Store and Google Play Store on Feb. 2.
