Minecraft: Wii U Edition Summer Release Date; New 'Super Mario Mash-Up' DLC Expansion Pack Free for Download

May 10, 2016 02:01 PM EDT

The much-anticipated crossover of Super Mario Bros and Minecraft is confirmed. Nintendo and Mojang announced the famous plumber and his friends will be part of Minecraft: Wii U Edition this summer. And the best part is gamers can download the DLC for free. Here's what is currently known about Mario on Minecraft Wii U release date, update and rumors on the web.

The new DLC is called "Super Mario Mash-Up Pack." It features pre-made world and music from the original Super Mario game, Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Nintendo said the DLC introduces 40 Super Mario-themed skins. Minecraft players will be able to build worlds as Bowser, Wario, Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and more. Interestingly, players will be able to push away blocky Hammer Bros. and Dry Bones the same way they do in Creepers and Zombies.

The release date of the new expansion pack is also announced. Owners of the Wii U version of the Minecraft can download the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack on May 17. Also, they don't have to pay anything to enjoy the new, cool contents. The retail version of the Minecraft will ship for Wii U, including the Mario content on the disc on June 17. Interested buyers can get it for $30, as per reports from Time.

According to Ars Technica, this is not the first time Nintendo has loaned its iconic Mario characters to other game developers. Gaming companies like Capcom, Bandai Namco, Square Enix have already released a number of Mario-themed games, such as arcade-style sports titles. Previous Mario games were published by Nintendo. However, this time around, Microsoft-owned Mojang is the one making money as the game's publisher.

The fan-favorite Minecraft game attracted many players around the world. The title has sold more than 70 million copies since its launch in 2011, prompting Microsoft to buy the game's developer, Mojang, for $2.5 billion in 2014.

In related news, we previously reported that Minecraft is compatible with Samsung's Gear VR. Also, the sandbox game will land on Oculus Rift sometime this year. Users of the Galaxy S7, the Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6, and Galaxy S6 Edge can play the game in virtual reality environment.

Minecraft for the Gear VR is available at the Oculus Store for the price of $6.99.

With that being said, old and young Mario fans will definitely love Mario's addition in Minecraft. See the preview of the expansion pack below.