Merchandise for the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie has revealed a cameo by R.O.B. the robot, a character from 1985. The inclusion appears in toy packaging, alongside other tie-in products available for pre-order. R.O.B. has appeared in various Mario games but not in the original Super Mario Galaxy.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, set for release on April 3, is generating buzz through its merchandise lineup. Recent announcements highlight a surprise appearance by R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy), originally launched as a peripheral toy for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985. This deep-cut cameo was spotted in packaging for the Super Mario Galaxy Movie Jakks Gateway Galaxy Playset, as noted in a YouTube review and reported by Total Film.
R.O.B. has made sporadic appearances in the Mario franchise since its debut. It first showed up in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars in 1996, followed by roles in various WarioWare games. The robot became playable in Mario Kart DS and multiple Super Smash Bros. titles. Notably, R.O.B. did not feature in the 2007 video game Super Mario Galaxy, which serves as the movie's inspiration.
Pre-orders for related toys have begun at retailers in the US and UK. Items include a six-inch Yoshi egg containing a chatty Yoshi figure, priced at £60 ($81) in the UK, a Bowser Castle Playset, and star-shaped launchers. These products are scheduled to go on sale in the first week of April.
The revelation aligns with observations that the movie incorporates numerous Mario references, including elements from Super Mario Odyssey, prioritizing franchise nods over a strictly adherent plot to Super Mario Galaxy.
