Been a long time since I subscribed to Nintendo Power so I can’t independently verify this one. A post in the Nintendo forums (that hasn’t been removed) claims May 7, 2006 is the day DS users will get to see a new Mario side scroller. The last major Mario game, for the Gamecube, Super Mario Sunshine was a bit of a letdown, IMO. I risk disrupting the Nintendo fans by saying that, but sorry it wasn’t in the same league as Super Mario 3 or even Super Mario 64, both of which we played extensively, not to mention the numerous Mario predecessors. So put me in the group who is excited about seeing a return to roots and a new side scrolling Mario game. Mario just belongs in the side scroll realm. Same with Sonic the Hedgehog. Attempts to turn them 3D and make it more about graphics than gameplay have had mixed results.

The two Nintendo DS in our household are collecting more dust than getting good gameplay, so maybe this title will revive interest there. Conversely, the Sony PSP has been getting a fair amount of use.

Thanks GoNintendo.