The Question Mark Box

Super Mario Funyuu Funyuu Series 1

2011-03-06T22:39:00.000+08:00

New Super Mario Gashapons

2010-11-04T11:34:00.000+08:00

Super Mario galaxy 2 Pre-Painted Mascot Key Chain Gashapon

This is so cool. Although almost half of them are duplicate designs from the previous Mario Galaxy gashapon set (the ghost mario, bee mario and twirling mario), the 3 designs with Yoshi captures some of the best gaming moments in Mario Galaxy 2!

Buy Super Mario galaxy 2 Pre-Painted Mascot Key Chain Gashapon at Play-Asia.com

New Super Mario Bros Wii. Key Chain Gashapon: Yoshi's Egg Projector

Buy New Super Mario Bros Wii. Key Chain Gashapon: Yoshi's Egg Projector at Play-Asia.com

Mario 25th Anniversary

2010-10-16T22:50:00.000+08:00

Nintendo is celebrating Mario's 25th Anniversary this year! To commerate Mario's success over the years, Nintendo has came up with several special edition merchandise including a red Nintendo Wii, DSi and a special collection pack. These are all available for pre-order now at play-asia.com . Please do note that these are the Japanese versions. Nintendo had already annouced news the European versions will be out soon as well. I'm hoping that Nintendo USA will not disappoint us.

Super Mario Collection Special Pack
for Nintendo Wii (J)

A special collection pack will be out featuring the first 3 Mario games and the lost world stages for the Wii. Besides gaming, the package comes with a booklet with all the game sketches, illustrations and development information. Come see how Mario evolved over the years as you listen to the special soundtracks. Favorite themes and arrangements from all existing Mario games are collected into this CD.

Click here to pre-order the NTSC/J version now

Nintendo DSi LL (Super Mario 25th Anniversary Edition)

If you love Mario and the DS, its a good opportunity to upgrade to the DSi LL with the special red Mario edition. The console comes with two brain training games and a dictionary.

Click here to pre-order the Mario Edition DSi LL

Japanese Nintendo Wii (Super Mario 25th Anniversary Limited Edition)

This red Mario Nintendo Wii bundle will come with the new Wii Remote Plus, the upgraded Wii-mote with motion plus built in, and comes with a special 25th anniversary version of the classic Super Mario Bros. installed on the system. This special edition of Super Mario Bros will be similar to the original, with a few graphical changes. For example, instead of the usual question mark boxes that you see in the game, they will be replaced with 25th anniversary boxes.

Buy Nintendo Wii (Super Mario 25th Anniversary Limited Edition)

Mario Furuta Series: Wii New Super Mario Bros

2010-09-30T15:00:00.000+08:00

Furuta has just released a new series of trading figures based on the New Super Mario Bros game for the Wii. This would be Furtua's 4th wave of Super Mario figures.

Each figure comes in a delicious chocolate egg, and there are 15 figures in total. (Penguin Mario is the Chase Figure). Everybody loves surprises, and finding out whats in each of the chocolate egg is an enjoyment.

After opening 30 eggs, I am still short of Yellow Yoshi Egg, Blue Toad and Chu Chu (Mouse) to complete the set and I have 7 mecha Browsers!

Trip to Tokyo - Super Potato (at Akihabara)

2010-08-29T00:44:00.002+08:00

I have just came back from a vaccation at Japan. One of my intentions there was to keep a look out for Mario collectibles. Although I have not seen much unique Mario merchandise to purchase, my visit to Akihabara (a famous area in Tokyo for Anime/video games store) was an eye opener in terms of the amount of retro gaming stuff that they have there. Check out the photos I have taken at Super Potato, a store that specialises just in retro gaming and with a retro Arcade at the top floor!!

Click the photo below or follow this link to the photo gallery. http://www.flickr.com/photos/53404026@N07/sets/72157624825936488/
(Note: photography permission have been granted by the salesperson)

Mario Poker Cards

2010-06-23T18:54:00.002+08:00

Play-Asia.com is having pre-orders for 3 different series of Mario Poker cards. The Dot version is based on the original Super Mario Bros art, the standard version take up a style similar to the promotional artwork of Super Mario Bros 3 while the neo version features the modernised 3D imagery of characters from the Mushroom Kingdom. Among the 3, the dot version appeals to me the most. The golden yellow borders and pixelated mario in the centre gives it a classy feel. It amusing to see that Broswer has been made the 'Joker'. These are official Nintendo Merchandise from Japan.

Classic Dot Version

Standard Version

Neo Version

Suntory Super Mario Bros. Wii Strap Drink Potion

2010-06-07T17:44:00.000+08:00

Hot new items now available at Play-asia.com. Suntory has just released a series of Mario handphone strap that comes randomly with every 500ml bottle of Dakara health drink.

Description from play-asia.com:
"Mario isn't only here to keep you entertained. It's here to help maintain your health. These straps comes with a bottle of Suntory's energizing drink. Rich with calcium, magnesium and potassium, this bottle witll help replenish the nutrients that you lost when you do everyday tasks.

The eight Mario figures that you could get are Mario, Yoshi, golden mushroom, bullet, blue mushroom, Kooper Junior, Penguin Luigi and the man eating flower. Lots of outfits, lots of fun, be prepared to take your strap home."

The yellow toady, penguin Luigi, Pink Yoshi and Koopa Junior are probably what I would eye for. This will be an incentive to try out one of Japan's hit drinks. Mario goods usually get sold out fast on play-asia, so don't miss out the chance to get them. =)

Super Mario Bros Wii Item Collection Gachapon (set of 12)

2010-05-30T23:40:00.003+08:00

This set of gachapon consists of 12 items mascot from the Wii New Super Mario game. 4 of these are duplicates from the Mario Kart item gachapon series: "Power up Mushroom, Green shell, Red shell & POW brick", with much sharper paintwork for the shells.

Penguin suit, flying helmet mushroom and Ice Flower are new power ups introduced in the game.

Comments

2010-05-10T21:09:00.001+08:00

Hi all, if you have left me a message through the post comments previously and have yet to receive an reply, do drop me an email at n3kketsu@hotmail.com about it. Due to a change in my blog settings, all the posts have been removed by mistake =(

Yuijin Wii New Super Mario Bros Enemy keychain swings.

2010-05-04T22:02:00.010+08:00

This set of 10 keychains from Yuijin features the enemies from the Wii New Super Mario Bros game. The quality from Yuijin is superb as usual and I love the mole, green dude and hermit crab especially. I am still short of the bullet bill, but I believe the sculpt of it is exactly the same used in the Mario Kart items keychain since the blooper has been copied as well.

Below is a comparison of the blooper from this series (with metal chain) with the one in the Mario kart items swing series (with metal chain removed). They are exactly the same, except with an insignificant difference in its manufacturing labels at its back. Instead of "2009 Nintendo T-Arts Made in China", the latter states "2008 Nintendo Yuijin Made in China".

As for the Goomba, it seems like an identical mould as compared to the one used in the Mario Galaxy enemy swing (with metal chain removed), except that it has a lighter shade of brown, and its legs' position has been mirrored from the original.

If anybody is looking for a particular piece from this series, please feel free to drop me an email at n3kketsu@hotmail for exchanges/trade. =)

Game & Watch Merchandise!

2010-04-15T02:12:00.005+08:00

*update* 4th May 2010 - Note: These keychains are not working sets of the Game & Watch Series. I have just received mine and was dissapointed to realise that these keychains merely displays an animation of the game. The left and right buttons are pressable dummy buttons which does nothing. Despite having high hopes of reliving the Game & Watch series, these key chains are still great momentos.

Remember the vintage Game & Watch series? This isn't exactly Mario related, but any Nintendo fan will probably be interested in this =) Now you can bring them around in their miniturised form!
These keychains were snapped up like hot cakes previously on Play-asia. But fret not! Fresh stocks are available at the time of this post. I'm glad I could get them this time round. =)

There are 3 various keychains available: Chef, Parachute and Octopus!
It looks exactly like the vintage handheld set, and best of all, it runs on solar power.

Super Mario Pedestal Figures Vol.2 (Banpresto) - Babies

2010-03-21T22:51:00.009+08:00

Here's the Baby Mario & Baby Luigi from the Pedestal Figures Vol.2. They are puny, with each figure less than 3 inches tall, inclusive of the base. The figures are heavy at the top, and require some support to stand upright. The paint work for my Baby Mario isn't well done for the side of his hair. Other than that, everything else is perfect. I believe their poses and expression are meant to be rendered faithfully based on the game 'Mario & Luigi - Partners in Time" for the Nintendo DS.

Wii Motes Candy Dispenser, Whistle & Miniture Gashapon!

2010-03-15T23:11:00.007+08:00

From smallest to largest (left to right): Wii mote miniture Gashapon by Yujin, Wii mote whistle, Wii mote Klik Candy Dispenser, and the actual wii mote for scale comparison.

All of them are faithful replicas of the actual Wii mote, except for the wii mote whistle that is shaped flatter. The whistle is clearly a unofficial licensed product since its written 'W11' instead of 'Wii' on the packaging.

Apart from the size, its exceptionally hard to tell the difference between the Klik candy dispenser and the actual wii mote.

Mario Power Up Energy Drink

2010-03-15T22:54:00.005+08:00

Need something to perk you up for the week? Here's what you need =) Super Mario's Power Up & Donkey Kong's Jungle Juice flavored Energy Drinks!

Check out the ingredients. Panax Gingseng (Asian Gingseng). Seems pretty potent!

Super Mario Pedestal Figures Vol.2 (Banpresto)

2010-03-15T01:34:00.005+08:00

The highly anticipated Super Mario Pedestal Figures Vol.2 is out now!

While Fire Mario, Fire Luigi & Mushroom seem like mere color repaints of the ones in Vol.1 .. Baby Mario & baby Luigi are must gets!

Upcoming Gashapon Releases

2010-03-07T23:27:00.007+08:00

There are a handful of upcoming Gashapon (Capsule Toys) series based on the New Super Mario Bros Wii. Here are the previews of just 2 of the many others =)

New Super Mario Wii - Light Mascot Swing (by Bandai)
Size: 30mm
Release date: May 2010
Set of 6

NEW Super Mario Blister - Wii mascot (by Takara)
Release date: Jun 2010
Set of 6
These figures appear to be in small blisters pack.

I will update on this post once I managed to get more information on these and other upcoming releases =)

Super Mario Retro Medley (DJ Lil Raskal RMX)

2010-03-07T19:21:00.002+08:00

This is a really catchy Super Mario mix by DJ Lil Raskal! One of few that I personally like. Thanks for sharing! =)

More Pixel Art (My Wall)

2010-02-27T00:09:00.005+08:00

These are hand-made by fusing beads together using a iron. Each of these took me approximately an hour to complete, and they are definitely worth the effort. Whenever I wake up each morning, I will be greeted by these colorful beads. =)

These could be used as coasters or as a 'bling' too (I have seen people on youtube doing that).

Show some Mario Love - My Farmville

2010-02-20T17:00:00.003+08:00

Presenting my own Farmville on Facebook! Inspired by pixel art =D

More Super Mario Candies

2010-02-19T00:50:00.004+08:00

I'm glad I have ordered these despite the high shipping cost from the States. If you are wondering what is the round circular metal tin, that's a logo of Umbrella Corp from the Resident Evil series. It kind of look like a Kiwi shoe polish tin though.

The question mark box has a slight 'embossed' touch to the '?'s and it looks great despite its simplicity. Even when these Tin containers are sealed, the sweet scent of the candies could be smelt.

Update *20/02/2010
I popped some of the Star candies just to realise that they actually tasted pretty delicious =) Just the right amount of sweetness!

Super Mario Pedestal Figures Vol.1 (Banpresto)

2010-02-07T19:06:00.004+08:00

Banpresto have released a set of prize figures in January 2010. These figures were supposingly meant as UFO catcher toys in Japan. The first set of the series consist of Mario, Luigi, 1-up Mushroom, Bowser & Bowser Junior.

Bowser is definitely the highlight of the series! The spikes and scales were well detailed, zoom in the photos to see what I meant. Each figures is approximately 8cm tall. I was glad I managed to get the last set at the Sunday market.

Nintendo Club Golden Mario

2010-02-07T18:53:00.004+08:00

This golden mario is exclusive only to the Nintendo Club members in Japan. Its meant to be their premium redemption prize sometime ago. The photos hardly capture the details well due to the reflective surfaces.

Mario Candies!

2010-01-13T22:36:00.006+08:00

Great finds from a Japanese super market in Singapore. Couldn't resist getting a couple of them home =) These are Official Nintendo Mechandises made by http://www.ausome.com/, with the 2 center ones under the Klik branding.

There's suppose to be Yoshi kart Klik as well, but unfortunately, it was unavailable =( And for the Mario Kart Klik, there's a variant with a different card print design.

The Mario head Klik comes is part of a series which has Donkey Kong and Zelda.

Hard Candies in a Barrel? These look great for its price!

Since I have access to a digital SLR camera now, I will be updating some of the photographs in my old posts as well! Do check back regularly for more updates!

Nintendo Famicom Name Card Holder

2010-01-09T00:25:00.006+08:00

Happy New Year 2010 everybody! Wishing everybody a joyful and smooth sailing year ahead! To kick start the new year, I'm sharing with everybody my recent online purchase that got me excited.

Most of us would have know that Mario was made popular from the original class Super Mario Bros game on the nintendo Family Computer system (aka Famicom, Asia version of the NES). Wouldn't it be cool to have a momento from those classic days? How about having a business card holder that look like a Famicom controller? That will probably give you a good reason to carry the good old gaming memories with you all the time =)

There are 2 version to this Famicom card holder, a player 1 & player 2 version. The main diffeerence is that only the player 1 controller has the start and select button, whereas player 2 has a speaker on it. These card holders were smartly design with 2 compartments, which make it rather convenient from seperating your own name card from those that you receive. They look pretty much like the real thing from the online photos.

1st Player Version

2nd Player Version

If you need more information/images about these card holders or wish to purchase them, click on the images' header for the link. They are priced at only US$9.90 each! If you are intending to order above US$50 from play-asia.com, perhaps you could drop me an email at n3kketsu@hotmail.com for a US$5 coupon code.

I have ordered mine and will be posting photographs of them when i receive them soon =)

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi Island Wind up Toy

2009-09-18T12:30:00.006+08:00

Just got this wind up toy from ebay recently. Its a wind-up Yoshi train toy that moves in squares (moves 5cm forward, and makes a right angle turn, repeatedly). Yoshi's ability to morph was probably one of the coolest and memorable features in the game. I'm wondering if there's more to this series of toys. (Yoshi copter?)

Approx. Height: 5cm

Mario Kart 64 Figures

2009-08-04T13:03:00.005+08:00

MOC Luigi with Kart & launchers

Loose Wario with Kart & launchers

Lost & found Childhood Memories

2009-08-04T12:26:00.002+08:00

While clearing my room a week ago, I uncovered some of the Mario collectibles that I have bought many years back (probably like around 10 or 15+ years back). All that I remembered was that I bought them from some departmental store, and they came packaged with candies. If you have any information on these toys, eg. manufacturer or year of production, please let me know. Its good to see them again!

Mario World

A set of 5 'world' that can be connected together. Unfortunately, I have lost some parts such as the key to keep Browser's castle door closed.

Mario moves round the train track when the gear is turned.

Mario Karts

Mario, Princess Toadstool, Wario & Browser (Probably an incomplete set). These came in monotone colors with some form of power up or mini characters. They are rather detailed considering their time of production.

A close up of Wario with Chomp

Browser with a Spiked Shell

My personal Mario & Sonic collection

2009-07-31T23:12:00.006+08:00

Here are photos of my own personal collection of Mario & Sonic =)
Click on the links for more photos.

Mario Softbi Desktop Figure, Mario Pepsi twist bottle caps, Mario Klik candy dispenser, Mario Dot figures

Mario Furuta Choco Egg Series 1 & 2, miniture nintendo consoles & games, Mario gashapons set

Miniture DS and Sega Consoles
Mario and Zelda Box Figures
Sonic the Hedgehog Collection

Super Mario Sound Block Figures

2009-07-24T15:32:00.002+08:00

Nintendo Wii Swing Series 2 Yujin

2009-07-24T15:07:00.004+08:00

Nintendo Wii Swing Yujin

2009-07-24T14:55:00.004+08:00

Super Mario Fyuu Series 3 (Super Mario galaxy) Yujin

2009-07-24T14:51:00.003+08:00

Disney Block Figures Yujin

2009-07-24T14:41:00.002+08:00

Super Mario Kart Series 1 Yujin

2009-07-24T14:34:00.003+08:00

Disney Toy Cinemagic Diorama Movie Moments Series 2 Yujin

2009-07-24T14:29:00.002+08:00

Super Mario Desktop Figure Yujin

2009-07-24T14:10:00.004+08:00

Super Mario Galaxy Mascot Swing

2009-07-24T13:28:00.014+08:00

Set of 6 (1 in stock) $22
Crystal mario with blue star (1 in stock) $3
Bee Mario With Brown star (1 in stock) $3
Ghosh mario with red star (1 in stock) $3

Mario Kubrick like Gashapon set

2009-07-24T13:23:00.006+08:00

Nintendo Mint candies in a NES controller tin

2009-07-24T13:22:00.008+08:00

Super Mario Dot Pin Set

2009-07-16T17:31:00.004+08:00

Create mario using colored pegs! Various art work can be produced with the colored pegs provided. Possible designs are shown below. Comes with 2 peg board.

Manufacturer: Tomy
Condition: Brand new. If you find it too troublesome to place the pegs, you can choose to take my own personal set. I have affixed mario and the mushroom as shown in the first pic.
(1 in stock) @ $30