iOS 'Super Mario' app news, release date: get ready for 'Super Mario Run' on iOS this Dec. 15

In a few more weeks, Nintendo's classic video game "Super Mario" will be made available to Apple devices as "Super Mario Run." The game will be able to run on iPhones and iPads that are powered by iOS 8.0 or later.

Last Tuesday, Nintendo made an announcement, telling excited Apple junkies that the app will be launched on Dec. 15. The game will launch in 150 countries and regions, and will be available in several languages including English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Russian and Chinese.

In a press release, Doug Bowser Nintendo America's Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing stated, "The wait is almost over for a 'Super Mario' game that can be played on mobile devices. Developed under the direction of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, 'Super Mario Run' brings a new take on the series' beloved action-platforming gameplay to iPhone and iPad for the first time."

To note, the iOS version of the app was first announced during Apple's event last September. The announcement was delivered by the game designer himself, Shigeru Miyamoto.

According to Nintendo, the titular character of the game will run forward on his own, unlike the traditional version. But the character will rely on gamers to avoid obstacles and enemies. But just like in the original version, players will have to collect coins, survive the courses, and reach the iconic flagpole in time.

"Super Mario Run" will be available for purchase for $9.99. Gamers who purchase the app will have unlimited access to the game's three modes. The title will also be made available for free; however, players will only have limited access with the free version.

In the first game mode, Mario will run through the course, collect coins, and hopefully survive. In the second mode, players will be able play with other gamers. Meanwhile, the third mode will allow gamers to create their own Mushroom Kingdom with the coins and toads collected from other game modes.

The first of Super Mario Run's three modes will set players courses to collect coins in, the second will pit players against the ghost data of their friends, and the third will allow players to create their own Mushroom Kingdom using coins and Toads collected from the other modes.