Super Mario Run iOS Game Breaking App Store Records

Although users complained about Nintendo’s Super Mario Run being too expensive, the game still got millions of downloads--and broke a record.

Super Mario Run was released Dec. 15 and is free initially but costs $9.99 to unlock other levels. However, the game got more than 40 million downloads worldwide in only four days. Super Mario Run is the No. 1 top free game in the App Store, Nintendo announced Wednesday in a press release. Apple SVP of Marketing Phil Schiller confirmed the number in a statement.

The game also ranks first among free games in the App Store in 140 countries and regions out of the 150 it’s available, Nintendo said. Super Mario Run has also entered the top 10 ranking for games with best revenue in 100 different markets.

The game now has a new “friendly-mode” feature that lets players run head-to-head with other users without using tickers. However, users are limited to 1-5 plays a day.

Super Mario Run was having a tough time when it was released, as people complained about the high price to unlock extra levels. Nintendo shares dropped as the long-awaited mobile game launched on iOS. Investors saw shares fall more than 4 percent last Friday.

Other problems for players is Super Mario Run ’s required internet connectivity, which means no playing in the subway, and data, 370MB in storage is needed to download the game.

Nonetheless, the game will still boost earnings for Nintendo. The company also has two more games coming up.