Super Mario Run isn’t playable without an internet connection

Super Mario Run, Nintendo’s big iPhone debut, is only playable when your device is connected to some form of Wi-Fi.

Launching on December 15 for iOS devices, Super Mario Run throws everyone’s favourite italian plumber into an endless runner set within the Mushroom Kingdom.

You’d normally expect titles like this to work perfectly without any internet connection, but that unfortunately isn’t the case with Super Mario Run.

While Super Mario Run does have a multiplayer mode in the form of Toad Rally, most of the game is single-player based.

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Speaking with Mashable, Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that the online-only decision was made to combat piracy.

“For us, we view our software as being a very important asset for us. And also for consumers who are purchasing the game, we want to make sure that we’re able to offer it to them in a way that the software is secure, and that they’re able to play it in a stable environment,” Miyamoto explained.

“We wanted to be able to leverage that network connection with all three of the [Super Mario Run] modes to keep all of the modes functioning together and offering the game in a way that keeps the software secure. This is something that we want to continue to work on as we continue to develop the game.”

This is a rather unorthodox move by Nintendo, forcing users to play a mobile game online when the majority of players will want to experience the game on their morning commute.

Nintendo’s primary reasoning seemed to concern the security of its users, noting that Super Mario Run will be launching in 150 countries around the world simultaneously later this month.

Are you still going to play Super Mario Run? Let us know in the comments.