Editing List of unreleased media

{{distinguish|[[tech demo]]s, which are rarely intended to be turned into commercial products, or [[pre-release and unused content]], elements from a game that are removed or altered before release}}
Due to various reasons (ranging from being of poor quality, developing a game for a failed or soon-to-be-discontinued system, or the company facing financial or legal woes), a project can end up being '''canceled''' and cease production. Despite their status, concepts present in canceled games and other media can be reused in commercial releases, and some canceled games are repurposed into different projects.

A game in development can also end up becoming '''{{wp|vaporware}}''', a term for projects that are announced and for which development is started, but for similar reasons, were never published.

The following is a list of ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' media that has been canceled, or was never produced or released.

==Canceled games and vaporware==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
! data-sort-type="number"|#
! data-sort-type="alphabetical"|Game
! data-sort-type="alphabetical"|System
! class="unsortable"|Description and/or reason
|-
! 1
| align=center | ''[[Return of Donkey Kong]]''
| align=center | [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]
| A follow-up to ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'', canceled for unknown reasons.
|-
! 2
| align=center | ''[[Donkey Kong no Ongaku Asobi]]''
| align=center | [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]
| A music-based spin-off of ''Donkey Kong'', canceled mainly due to copyright issues with the featured songs.
|-
! 3
| align=center | ''[[Mario Takes America]]''
| align=center | [[Philips CD-i]]
| A ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' platformer, canceled due to financial issues caused by Philips being unsatisfied with the development's progress. Attempts to rework the title into a ''{{wp|Sonic the Hedgehog}}'' game and even later with original characters fell through, with developer Cigam going bankrupt in 1994.<ref>{{cite|author=monokoma|date=September 15, 2014|title=The Cancelled Mario Game that was Taken Away by a Bank in Canada|url=www.unseen64.net/2014/09/15/mario-takes-america-cdi-cancelled/|publisher=Unseen64|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref>
|-
! 4
| align=center | ''[[Super Mario's Wacky Worlds]]''
| align=center | [[Philips CD-i]]
| A successor to ''[[Super Mario World]]'', canceled due to the failure of the CD-i.<ref>{{cite|title=Super Mario's Wacky Worlds|url=web.archive.org/web/20160314130649/https://sites.google.com/site/philipscdi/smww|format=|publisher=Sidewalk CD-i Playground|accessdate=June 19, 2008|archive=sites.google.com/site/philipscdi/smww}}</ref> Three official prototype discs are in circulation.
|-
! 5
| align=center | ''[[VB Mario Land]]''
| align=center | [[Virtual Boy]]
| A sequel to ''[[Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins]]'', otherwise known as ''Mario Adventure''; scrapped in favor of ''[[Mario Clash]]'', based on the ''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]''-esque mini-game but with extensive variety.<ref>{{cite|date=January 2010|title=[[Media:Official Nintendo Magazine - VB Mario Land.jpg|Official Nintendo Magazine #051]]|format=JPG|publisher=Future plc|page=62}}</ref>
|-
! 6
| align=center | [[Mario Artist (series)#Canceled games|''Mario Artist'' series]]
| align=center | [[Nintendo 64DD]]
| A follow-up to ''[[Mario Paint]]'', originally called ''Mario Paint 64'' and ''Mario Paint 3D''. It allowed for many processes while playing, and used a controller different from the original [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System#Super NES Mouse|SNES Mouse]]. Only ''[[Mario Artist: Paint Studio|Paint Studio]]'', ''[[Mario Artist: Talent Studio|Talent Studio]]'', ''[[Mario Artist: Communication Kit|Communication Kit]]'' and ''[[Mario Artist: Polygon Studio|Polygon Studio]]'' were released; an additional game, ''Sound Studio'', was canceled.<ref name=DYKGRumors>{{cite|author=DidYouKnowGaming|date=May 12, 2024|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7II7Xns3No|title=Rumored Mario Games SOLVED|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 12, 2024}}</ref> A different iteration of ''Paint Studio'' was in development by {{wp|Software Creations (UK)|Software Creations}}, but it was canceled due to internal politics between Nintendo of America and Nintendo's headquarters in Japan over control of the project.<ref>{{cite|author=monokoma|date=April 4, 2008|title=Creator / Mario Artist [64DD – Beta / Canceled<nowiki>]</nowiki>|url=www.unseen64.net/2008/04/04/creator-64dd-unreleased/|publisher=Unseen64|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref> Additionally, ''Paint Studio'' was originally going to feature a [[Mario Artist: Paint Studio#Prototype "Gnat Attack"|Gnat Attack game mode]], but it was later removed, likely due to it negatively affecting the mouse settings for the main painting mode. According to Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario's face on the title screen of ''Super Mario 64'' actually originated from a prototype of ''Paint Studio''.
|-
! 7
| align=center | ''[[Super Mario 64 2]]''
| align=center | [[Nintendo 64DD]]
| A sequel to ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', abandoned due to a lack of progress and the 64DD's late release and commercial failure. Certain aspects were carried over to ''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'' and ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]''. It may be related to ''Super Mario 64 Disk Version'', a similarly-unreleased working port of the previous game demonstrated at Nintendo Space World 1996.<ref>{{cite|author=Jimmy130|date=June 14, 2014|title=Photos 64DD : Super Mario 64 Disk Version|url=web.archive.org/web/20140628031514/http://www.gamekult.com/blog/jimmy130/311446/photos-64dd-super-mario-64-disk-version.html|publisher=Gamekult|language=French|archive=www.gamekult.com/blog/jimmy130/311446/photos-64dd-super-mario-64-disk-version.html|archivedate=June 28, 2014|archiver=Wayback Machine}}</ref>
|-
! 8
| align=center | ''[[List of Donkey Kong 64 pre-release and unused content|Ultra Donkey Kong]]''
| align=center | [[Nintendo 64DD]]
| At one point, the game was planned as a Nintendo 64DD exclusive,<ref>{{cite|author=IGN Staff|date=July 25, 1997|title=Donkey Kong Swings to 64DD|url=www.ign.com/articles/1997/07/26/donkey-kong-swings-to-64dd|publisher=IGN}}</ref> but it was released exclusively as a standard [[Nintendo 64]] title under the name of ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''.
|-
! 9
| align=center | ''[[List of Paper Mario pre-release and unused content|Super Mario RPG 2]]''
| align=center | [[Nintendo 64DD]]
| A sequel to ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'', otherwise known as ''Mario RPG 2''<ref>{{cite|author=IGN Staff|date=July 29, 1997|title=Miyamoto Reveals Secrets: Fire Emblem, Mario Paint 64|url=www.ign.com/articles/1997/07/30/miyamoto-reveals-secrets-fire-emblem-mario-paint-64|publisher=IGN|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref> and ''Mario RPG 64''<ref>{{cite|title=Paper Mario: Sticker Star: "Going All Out with Stickers"|url=iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/3ds/papermario/0/1/|publisher=Iwata Asks}}</ref> while in development. Due to complications involving [[Square Enix|Square]], it was reworked into ''[[Paper Mario]]'' and was released as a standard [[Nintendo 64]] title.
|-
! 10
| align=center | ''[[Diddy Kong Pilot]]''
| align=center | [[Game Boy Advance]]
| A follow-up to ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'', featuring planes as the only vehicle. The [[Diddy Kong Pilot (2001)|first iteration]] was shown at E3 2001 and planned for March 4, 2002,<ref>{{cite|author=Metts, Jonathan|date=October 9, 2001|title=Nintendo's New Release Dates|url=www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6577/|publisher=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> but it was unpublished by the time [[Rare Ltd.|Rare]] was bought by {{wp|Microsoft}} in 2002. The [[Diddy Kong Pilot (2003)|second iteration]] in 2003 was reworked into ''{{wp|Banjo-Pilot}}'' and released for the Game Boy Advance.<ref>{{cite|author=U64 Staff & Contributors|date=April 7, 2008|title=Diddy Kong Pilot [GBA – Beta / Canceled<nowiki>]</nowiki>|url=www.unseen64.net/2008/04/07/diddy-kong-pilot-banjo-pilot-beta/|publisher=Unseen64|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref>
|-
! 11
| align=center | ''[[Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers]]''
| align=center | [[Game Boy Advance]]
| A puzzle game starring [[Donkey Kong]] that was planned for December 7, 2001<ref>{{cite|date=October 2001|title=Game Boy Xtreme #4|url=archive.org/details/GBX-Magazine-Print-Collection/04%20GBX%20October%202001/page/10/mode/2up|publisher=Thin Ice Media|page=10}}</ref> before being unpublished before Microsoft purchased Rare. It was reworked into ''{{wp|It's Mr. Pants}}'', also released for Game Boy Advance.<ref>{{cite|author=U64 Staff & Contributors|date=April 7, 2008|title=Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers [GBA – Canceled<nowiki>] (It’s Mr. Pants [GBA – Beta]</nowiki>)|url=www.unseen64.net/2008/04/07/its-mr-pants-donkey-kong-coconut-crackers-gba-beta/|publisher=Unseen64|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref>
|-
! 12
| align=center | ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong#Development|Donkey Kong Plus]]''
| align=center | [[Game Boy Advance]] / [[Nintendo GameCube]]
| A remake of the [[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Game Boy version of ''Donkey Kong'']], presumably canned in favor of ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'', an original game based on the classic ''Donkey Kong'' gameplay. Although the game was shown at E3 2002 as a proof-of-concept for connectivity between Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube systems, its intended system is unclear.<ref> {{cite|author=U64 Staff & Contributors|date=April 8, 2008|title=Donkey Kong Plus [GBA – Canceled<nowiki>]</nowiki>|url=www.unseen64.net/2008/04/08/donkey-kong-plus-gba-beta/|publisher=Unseen64|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref>
|-
! 13
| align=center | ''[[Donkey Kong Racing]]''
| align=center | [[Nintendo GameCube]]
| Another follow-up to ''Diddy Kong Racing'' that was unfinished before Rare was bought by Microsoft. Following its cancelation in favor of ''[[lylatwiki:Star Fox Adventures|Star Fox Adventures]]'', it was being reworked into ''{{wp|Sabreman|Sabreman Stampede}}'' for the {{wp|Xbox 360}}, but this iteration of the title was canceled due to a lack of focus and Rare's unfamiliarity with the hardware; however, a ''Donkey Kong''-themed racing game, ''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]'', would eventually be released for the [[Wii]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite|author=U64 Staff & Contributors|date=April 8, 2008|title=Donkey Kong Racing [GameCube – Canceled<nowiki>]</nowiki>|url=www.unseen64.net/2008/04/08/donkey-kong-racing-gc-cancelled/|publisher=Unseen64|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref>
|-
! 14
| align=center | ''[[Yoshi Touch & Go#Development|Yoshi Touch & Go]]''
| align=center | [[Nintendo GameCube]]
| Was later reworked into a [[Nintendo DS]] title with the same name.
|-
! 15
| align=center | ''[[List of Donkey Kong Barrel Blast pre-release and unused content|DK Bongo Blast]]''
| align=center | [[Nintendo GameCube]]
| A ''Donkey Kong'' racing game that would have used the [[DK Bongos]]. Was reworked for the Wii as ''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast'', replacing the bongo controls with motion controls. <ref> {{cite|author=U64 Staff & Contributors|date=April 9, 2008|title=Donkey Kong Bongo Blast [GC – Unreleased<nowiki>]</nowiki>|url=www.unseen64.net/2008/04/09/donkey-kong-bongo-blast-gc-unreleased/|publisher=Unseen64|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref>
|-
! 16
| align=center | ''[[List of Super Paper Mario pre-release and unused content#Early iteration|Super Paper Mario]]''
| align=center | [[Nintendo GameCube]]
| At one point, the game was considered for a 2006 release on both the Nintendo GameCube and the Wii,<ref>{{cite|date=January 5, 2007|title=Wii Preview: Super Paper Mario|url=web.archive.org/web/20091209140126/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=153491&site=ngm|publisher=NGamer Magazine|accessdate=July 17, 2016|archive=www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=153491&site=ngm|deadlink=|archivedate=December 9, 2009|archiver=Wayback Machine}}</ref> but it was ultimately pushed back to 2007 exclusively for the Wii.<ref>{{cite|author=U64 Staff & Contributors|date=April 9, 2008|title=Super Paper Mario [GC – Canceled<nowiki>]</nowiki>|url=www.unseen64.net/2008/04/09/super-paper-mario-gc-cancelled/|publisher=Unseen64|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref>
|-
! 17
| align=center | ''[[Super Mario Spikers]]''
| align=center | [[Wii]]
| A volleyball-wrestling hybrid game that was being developed by [[Next Level Games]] before being canceled in favor of ''[[Punch-Out!! (Wii)|Punch-Out!!]]'' due to aspects of the game clashing with Nintendo's code of honor.<ref>{{cite|author=Robertson, Liam|date=August 6, 2011|title=Super Mario Spikers [Wii – Canceled<nowiki>]</nowiki>|url=www.unseen64.net/2011/08/06/super-mario-spikers-wii-prototype/|publisher=Unseen64|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref>
|}

==Unreleased ports==
These games were planned ports of already existing ''Super Mario'' titles to different consoles, which went unreleased for various reasons.

===3DS version of ''[[Virtual Boy Wario Land]]''===
[[File:Virtual Boy Wario Land 3DS.png|thumb|The mockup]]
On December 15, 2013, independent developer Jools Watsham of {{wp|Renegade Kid}} posted a mockup of a colorized version of ''[[Virtual Boy Wario Land]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]].<ref>{{cite|url=x.com/JoolsWatsham/status/412463614302240769|title=Curious to see how colored Wario Land Vitual Boy looks in 3D on your 3DS? Me too...|date=December 15, 2013|publisher=X|author=JoolsWatsham|accessdate=May 27, 2024|language=en}}</ref> In a 2016 episode of IGN's NYC podcast, Watsham revealed that he had made a formal pitch to Nintendo to make colorized versions of ''Virtual Boy Wario Land'' and Nintendo's other [[Virtual Boy]] games for the 3DS, but the pitch was rejected for unknown reasons.<ref>{{cite|author=IGN|date=April 02, 2016|url=www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=639&v=OwpPhy0j3UA|timestamp=10:39|title=Mutant Mudds' Developer Made a Wario Demo - NVC|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024|language=en}}</ref> He speculated this was because Nintendo did not want to remind people of the Virtual Boy, although Nintendo has referenced the Virtual Boy numerous times in newer games over the years.

===''Donkey Kong'' Arcade1UP products===
In 2018, a picture from the factory that produces Arcade1UP machines was leaked. This picture showed many previously unannounced models, one of which was ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]''. This was likely a mock-up machine pitched to Nintendo, which ended up being rejected.<ref>Picture showing the Donkey Kong machine (5th from the right): [https://i.ytimg.com/vi/L1flEbriteE/maxresdefault.jpg]</ref>

At CES 2020, Arcade1UP demonstrated a miniature ColecoVision console, featuring a small "television set" as its screen. The console showed ''Donkey Kong'' running on its screen; oddly, it appeared to be playing the Famicom/NES version rather than the real ColecoVision port.<ref>{{cite|url=youtu.be/EcHsMsey2KM?t=1396|timestamp=23:16|author=Retro Ralph|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024|date=January 7, 2020|language=en}}</ref> The console was never released, and is unclear if the product was ever officially approved; as many products at the booth were labeled as "pending licensor approval".

===''Donkey Kong'' for TRS-80===
In 1982, a port of ''Donkey Kong'' for the {{wp|TRS-80}} line of microcomputers was being developed by game designers Wayne Westmoreland and Terry Gilman. The port was eventually finished, but never received an official release as the duo could not get permission from Nintendo.

Later, in 1995, Westmoreland released all of their TRS-80 titles to the public domain, including the unreleased port of ''Donkey Kong''.<ref>http://www.trs-80.org/donkey-kong/</ref>

===''Donkey Kong 3'' for Mini Classics===
A planned [[Mini Classics]] version of ''[[Donkey Kong 3 (Game & Watch)|Donkey Kong 3]]'' was in the works, but never got released. In a stock image, it is mislabeled as ''Donkey Kong Junior''.<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20200806101145/https://www.forevergeek.com/get_nintendo_classic_games_on_your_keyring|title=Get Nintendo classic games on your keyring|date=August 5, 2009|author=Andy|publisher=Forever Geek|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===''Donkey Kong 3: Dai Gyakushū'' for FM-7===
An unknown video game company pitched an idea to Nintendo to port ''[[Donkey Kong 3: Dai Gyakushū]]'' to the {{wp|FM-7}}. They purchased the rights and produced it, but it went unreleased.<ref>{{cite|url=fm-7.com/museum/products/ma52bkgp|publisher=Oh!FM-7|language=ja|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===''Donkey Kong Jr.'' Coleco Tabletop (early version)===
The tabletop arcade version of ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' by {{wp|Coleco}}, released in 1983, was a rebranded version of the [[Donkey Kong Jr. (Game & Watch)|Game & Watch Tabletop]] version. However, early promotional images show a machine more in line with Coleco's other tabletops, with a completely different port than the released model (which looks closer to the original arcade game).<ref>Pre-release image showing the early machine w/ screenshot: [https://www.picclickimg.com/d/w1600/pict/123630864158_/Coleco-Perma-Power-Adapter-Sealed-w-Donkey-Kong.jpg]</ref> A mock-up machine has been found, but it contained the original ''Donkey Kong'' inside.<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20100123192155/http://www.geekvintage.com/coleco-tabletop-donkey-kong-jr-hardware.php|title=Donkey Kong Jr Coleco Tabletop Arcade - Model 2398X|publisher=Geek Vintage|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===''Donkey Kong Jr.'' for BBC Micro===
A port of ''Donkey Kong Jr.'' for {{wp|BBC Micro}} by {{wp|Atarisoft}}, who also developed the {{wp|Atari 8-bit family|Atari 8-bit}} port, was created but ultimately unreleased.<ref>{{cite|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNKgk68RirA|author=Highretrogamelord|date=March 8, 2018|publisher=YouTube|language=en|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===Enhanced ''Donkey Kong'' and ''Donkey Kong Jr.'' ColecoVision ports===
In the early 2000s, incomplete prototype versions of ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' for {{wp|ColecoVision}} were discovered. Both cartridges actually postdated the ColecoVision releases and were seemingly ports of the versions from the {{wp|Coleco Adam}} computer, which featured more levels and cutscenes. The games were re-compiled into hacked ROMs titled "Super DK!" and "Super DK Junior" respectively; the unaltered ROMs were never released.<ref>{{cite|url=www.digitpress.com/reviews/superdonkeykong.htm|title=''Super Donkey Kong''|publisher=Digital Press Online|language=en|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|url=forums.atariage.com/topic/219923-super-donkey-kong|title=Super Donkey Kong - ColecoVision / Adam|publisher=AtariAge Forums|language=en|accessdate=May 27, 2024|date=December 20, 2013}}</ref>


===''Famicom Mini Collection''===
{{main|Classic NES Series#Famicom Mini Collection}}
A multicart of [[Family Computer]] games ported to the [[Game Boy Advance]], planned to be released in China by [[iQue]]. It featured ''Mario Bros.'', ''Super Mario Bros.'', ''Wrecking Crew'', ''Dr. Mario'', ''Donkey Kong'', and ''Super Mario Bros. 2'' (Japan), in addition to ''Clu Clu Land'', ''Ballon Fight''{{sic}}, ''Metroid'', ''Excite Bike'', and ''Ice Climber''.

===''Game & Watch-e''===
[[File:Game-watch-gallery-e-package.jpg|thumb|100px|Planned card packaging]]
As early as the North American launch of the [[e-Reader]], Nintendo had unveiled plans to release a series of [[Game & Watch]] cards for the e-Reader device. However, the only card ever released was a promotional card for ''[[Manhole (Game & Watch)|Manhole]]'' (bundled in with the e-Reader itself), with the full set never being produced. The card packs, officially titled ''Game & Watch-e'' or ''Game & Watch-e Collection'', were to feature three versions of games: classic, color, and collector. The classic versions were the original games, while the color versions were similar to the "Modern" modes in the ''Game & Watch Gallery'' series (featuring the ''Super Mario'' characters). The exact details of the collector versions remain unknown, though the card packaging artwork showcases it with a black-and-white Luigi.

The game ports appear to be unique from ''[[Game & Watch Gallery 4]]''; a few advertisements show a screenshot of the color version of ''[[Fire]]'', which has a more basic background (e.g. the grass and sky) compared to the Modern ''Gallery 4'' version. Additionally, a few advertised games did not receive other Game Boy Advance ports at all; namely, ''[[Spitball Sparky]]'' and the color version of ''[[Vermin]]'' (featuring Yoshi).<ref name="nintendo-world-report">{{cite|url=www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=32861.0|date=December 2, 2010|title="Game and Watch-e: What was meant to be"|publisher=Nintendo World Report|accessdate=May 27, 2024|language=en|author=UncleBob}}</ref>

In an August 2003 brochure from Walmart, it was stated that the cards were planned to launch in October of that year. The short release window implies that the ''Game & Watch-e'' line was effectively completed before it was abruptly canceled.<ref name="nintendo-world-report" /> Its cancelation was most likely due to the failure of the e-Reader on the North American market, though no official reasoning is known.

<gallery>
Game-watch-gallery-e-sellscan.jpg|Advertisement showcasing several cards
</gallery>

===''Mario Bros.'' Apple II port===
''Mario Bros.'' was ported to the {{wp|Apple II}} in 1984 by {{wp|Atari}}, but was never officially released. Despite this, its code was leaked (possibly by an actual Atari employee) and was widely distributed in the 1980s via piracy.<ref>https://twitter.com/forestillusion/status/1005351467085991936</ref>{{dead link}} There was even a bootleg Russian arcade version of ''Mario Bros.'' based on the Apple II prototype known as ''Kuzmich-Egorych'' (''Кузьмич-Егорыч'').<ref>{{cite|url=adb.arcadeitalia.net/dettaglio_mame.php?game_name=kuzmich|title=Kuzmich-Egorych - MAME machine|publisher=Arcade Italia|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===''Mario Bros.'' Atari 8-bit port (1984 version)===
In 1984, Atari planned to release ''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]'' for their Atari 8-bit computer line (400/800/XL/XE). This port was identical to the previously released Atari 5200 version of the game. For unknown reasons, the game was canceled despite being fully finished. ''Mario Bros.'' would eventually receive an Atari 8-bit release in 1988, but this port was completely different than the 1984 prototype.<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20060210034217/http://www.atariprotos.com/8bit/software/mariobros/mariobros.htm|title=Mario Bros.|publisher=AtariProtos.com|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> 

===''Mario Bros.'' Commodore 64 port (1984 version)===
Yet another ''Mario Bros.'' port that went unreleased was the {{wp|Commodore 64}} version, once again planned for a 1984 release. This version was to have been published by Atari, but was developed by two programmers from Designer Software.<ref>{{cite|url=games.greggman.com/game/atarisoft-mario-bros-c64|title=Atarisoft Mario Bros for Commodore 64|publisher=games.greggman.com|accessdate=May 27, 2024|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite|quote=...my friend Gregg Tavares and I created (from scratch) for the Commodore 64 for Atarisoft (indirectly through a company called Designer Software)|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCtYtrTLR28|date=August 23, 2008|title= Mario Bros - Commodore 64 (comments section)|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> A completely different (and rather bizarre) port for the Commodore 64 would later be released by Ocean in 1987.<ref>{{cite|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5-lBLXDh78|title=<nowiki>[Longplay]</nowiki> Mario Bros, phase 1-10 (Ocean) - Commodore 64|date=April 20, 2018|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===''Mario Kart Wii'' for Nvidia Shield===
[[File:MKW Nvidia Shield Port.jpg|thumb|The port being played at ChinaJoy 2018]]
''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' was one among several [[Wii]] games that were ported to the {{wp|Nvidia Shield Portable|Nvidia Shield}} in China. Announced during {{wp|China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference|ChinaJoy}} 2018,<ref>{{cite|author=英伟达SHIELD|language=zh-hans|date=August 3, 2018|url=weibo.com/6154885380/GsVVdcTql|publisher=Weibo|accessdate=May 27, 2024|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114173750/https://weibo.com/6154885380/GsVVdcTql}}</ref> the port was playable at the event, with a competition being held in the game's Time Trial mode.<ref>{{cite|author=@chinesenintendo|date=August 3, 2023|url=x.com/chinesenintendo/status/1025414448834478081|publisher=X|accessdate=May 27, 2024|language=en}}</ref> It would have featured online multiplayer, which is no longer available on the original game due to the discontinuation of the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]].<ref>{{cite|author=英伟达SHIELD|date=August 3, 2018|url=mp.weixin.qq.com/s/UHBtUPo7DRf8y03mV__xRQ|title=ChinaJoy {{!}}《马力欧卡丁车Wii》抢先玩，SHIELD爆发全游戏掌控力|publisher=WeChat|language=zh-hans|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> It is the only Wii game on the Nvidia Shield that was never released despite being fully finished, as the developers stopped receiving responses from the Chinese government during the approval process.<ref>{{cite|author=DidYouKnowGaming?|date=December 5, 2020|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG-Gb63M3_8|title=Mario Kart Wii - Did You Know Gaming? Ft. Remix|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> All Wii game ports on the Nvidia Shield were later delisted in 2021 and made unplayable in 2022, with the verification server shutting down due to the system's discontinuation in China.<ref>{{cite|author=Doolan, Liam|date=August 1, 2021|url=www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/08/nvidia_shield_shutting_down_nintendo_wii_game_downloads_in_china|title=Nvidia Shield Shutting Down Nintendo Wii Game Downloads In China|publisher=Nintendo Life|accessdate=May 27, 2024|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=@chinesenintendo|date=April 6, 2022|url=x.com/chinesenintendo/status/1511717562778001409|title=It has been discovered that the online verification server for Nvidia Shield games have been down. Earliest reports of server down were on Feb 7th, 2022, and refund channels have been opened as of March 28th, 2022.|publisher=X|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=@chinesenintendo|date=May 13, 2022|url=x.com/chinesenintendo/status/1525081815593418752|title=The official China model of Nvidia Shield will no longer offer system update and Game Stream services. The hardware itself has already been discontinued by the end of 2019.|publisher=X|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===''Mario Party'' and ''Mario Party 2'' for 64DD===
The first two ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]'' games were among many announced titles for the [[Nintendo 64DD]],{{ref needed}} but the peripheral was a commercial failure. This resulted in all ''Super Mario'' games for the system being canceled, except for four ''[[Mario Artist (series)|Mario Artist]]'' games.

===Other Atarisoft computer ports===
In several magazine publications, an advertisement from Atari was run stating that ''Mario Bros.'' and ''Donkey Kong Jr.'' would release for the Commodore 64, IBM PC (DOS), and Apple II. None of these ports were ever released, but as aforementioned, the Apple II and Commodore 64 versions of ''Mario Bros.'' have been found. The flyer also lists several never-released ports of ''Crystal Castles'', ''Typo Attack'', and ''Track & Field''.<ref>{{cite|url=66.media.tumblr.com/9f004219a5401ccf315bf744d84fd790/tumblr_puvhrau9Nl1tg94xho1_1280.jpg|title=Atarisoft ad|publisher=OLD VIDEO GAME ADVERTISEMENTS|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

According to [https://www.digitpress.com/faq/atarisoft.htm The Atarisoft FAQ], the following ports were also planned:
*''Donkey Kong'' for the BBC Micro and {{wp|IBM PCjr}}.
*''Donkey Kong Jr.'' for the {{wp|Commodore VIC-20}} and {{wp|ZX Spectrum}}
*''Mario Bros.'' for the Commodore VIC-20

Several of these have also been confirmed by other sources.<ref>{{cite|quote=That Just leaves ''Donkey Kong Jr.'' swinging onto the Spectrum 48K at €14.99.|url=archive.org/details/04-big-k-magazine/page/n5|title=''Big-K-Magazine'' Issue 04|date=July 1984|publisher=IPC Magazines Ltd.|language=en-gb|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|url=www.guv1.com/atariblogs/2014/8/22/donkey-kong|date=August 22, 2014|title=Donkey Kong|publisher=Guv1.com|language=en|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===Super Game Module ''Donkey Kong'' games===
The Super Game Module was a canceled peripheral for the ColecoVision, which took unique cartridges. Among its planned games were ''Super Donkey Kong'' and ''Super Donkey Kong Junior''; these may be related to the "enhanced" ''Donkey Kong'' and ''Donkey Kong Jr.'' ColecoVision ports seen above.<ref>{{cite|url=colecoboxart.com/faq/FAQ02.htm#c33|title=Unreleased Hardware / Prototypes|publisher=Colecoboxart.com|language=en|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===''Super Mario 64: Disk Ban''===
''Super Mario 64: Disk Ban'' (スーパーマリオ64 ディスク版, lit. "Super Mario 64: Disk Version"), known as ''Super Mario Disk Version'' in the title screen, is a port of ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' for the [[Nintendo 64DD]] that was only officially shown publicly at Nintendo's {{wp|Nintendo Space World#Shoshinkai 1996|Shoshinkai 1996}} trade show to showcase the system's performance.<ref>{{cite|author=OKeijiDragon|date=November 7, 2010|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZXA2pzrLlo|title=Nintendo SpaceWorld '96 {{!}} Miyamoto Interview + Super Mario 64DD + Rumble Pak Unveiled|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=January 22, 2023}}</ref> It was dumped in 2014.<ref>{{cite|url=gamingafterhours.com/2014/06/24/super-mario-64DD-version-discovered-in-japan|title=Super Mario 64DD Version Discovered in Japan|author=Kim, Byungsuk|date=June 24, 2014|publisher=Gaming After Hours|accessdate=May 27, 2024|language=en}}</ref> The main differences in the port compared to the original game are a title screen replacing [[Mario's face]], an updated sound engine, and longer loading times. The port also contains a bug where the game crashes when entering [[Wiggler]]'s Basement in [[Tiny-Huge Island]].<ref>{{cite|author=adonfjv|date=June 24, 2014|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZV6t4OOJj0|title=Super Mario 64 Disk Version - 64DD - Boot + 2 bugs|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=January 22, 2023}}</ref>

===''Super Mario Bros.'' Firebird pitch===
In the 80s, a company called Firebird pitched an idea to Nintendo to port ''Super Mario Bros.'' to the Commodore 64 and got the rights, but production never got finished.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3f2bNBFv3w</ref>{{dead link}}

===''Super Mario Bros.'' Orpheus Software pitch===
In 1986, small subsidiary developer Orpheus Software planned a short, one-level demo of ''Super Mario Bros.'' for the Commodore 64 and attempted to pitch it to Nintendo for an official release, with Nintendo later rejecting the project<ref>{{cite|url=www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/super-mario-bros|title=Super Mario Bros (C64) - 1986 Orpheus|language=en|publisher=GTW64|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>. A Lemon64 thread from 2005 claims that user NYCeguy24 may have owned a copy, but this is likely speculation.<ref>{{cite|url=www.lemon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15774|title=Super Mario Brothers C64 version (1987 or prior)|date=January 26, 2005|publisher=Lemon64|language=en|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===''Super Mario Bros. 3'' id Software pitch===
In 1990, in its infancy, video game company {{wp|id Software}} developed a demo for the {{wp|IBM Personal Computer|IBM PC}} titled ''Dangerous Dave in Copyright Infringement'', which was a recreation of the first level of ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''.<ref>{{cite|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj4HJkeQSg0|title= Dangerous Dave In Copyright Infringement ⭐ Unreleased Prototype|author=CuteFloor|publisher=YouTube|date=January 12, 2008|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> It was then decided to rework the demo into an actual port of ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' for PC; the game was then pitched to Nintendo, which they ended up rejecting. The ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' demo was later extensively modified and turned into ''Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons'', which was released on December 14, 1990.<ref>{{cite|url=www.polygon.com/2015/12/14/10123754/john-romero-super-mario-bros-3-pc-demo|author=Frank, Allegra|date=December 14, 2015|language=en|title=Doom dev shares rare Super Mario Bros. 3 PC demo (update)|publisher=Polygon|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YWD6Y9FUuw|title=Super Mario Bros 3 PC Prototype from id Software|author=usgamernet|date=December 14, 2015|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

In July 2021, a copy of the id Software pitch was donated to {{wp|the Strong National Museum of Play}}, and is currently held in the museum's archives.<ref>{{cite|url=arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/07/museum-obtains-rare-demo-of-id-softwares-super-mario-bros-3-pc-port|title=Museum obtains rare demo of id Software’s Super Mario Bros. 3 PC port|author=Orland, Kyle|publisher=ArsTechnica|date=July 13, 2021|accessdate=May 27, 2024|language=en}}</ref>

===''Wario Land'' for NES===
In the November 1993 ''Nintendo Power'' "Official Game Pak Directory", ''[[Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3|Wario Land]]'' is listed as an upcoming NES game (while also being listed for Game Boy); this may have been done in error, however.<ref>{{cite|url=x.com/frankcifaldi/status/1595188030595166208|title=Ahhh I need more of these! Just got a fourth one and am discovering more lost NES games in here. Taz-Mania was just a weird rumor before but here it is, confirmed by Nintendo. Same with Barbie Fashion Designer and We're Back: A Dinosaur Story.|author=Cifaldi, Frank|publisher=X|date=November 22, 2022|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===''Yoshi's Cookie'' on Wii U Virtual Console===
''[[Yoshi's Cookie]]'' was originally slated for release on the [[Wii U]] [[Virtual Console]], but was ultimately never released.<ref>{{cite|author=Nintendo of America|date=April 17, 2013|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V5NJ9ZKfPo|title=Nintendo eShop - Wii U Virtual Console Sizzle Reel|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> Its cancellation was likely due to a copyright issue (either with Biox or [[Bullet-Proof Software]]), which is further evidenced by the [[Wii]] Virtual Console version being delisted from the [[nwiki:Wii Shop Channel|Wii Shop Channel]] around the same time.

==Low-information media and rejected pitches==
This section lists rejected pitches (meaning ideas proposed internally or to Nintendo without seriously going into production) and canceled projects, most of which have too little information to warrant their own pages.

===Games===
====Boss Game Studios' ''Super Mario'' game pitch====
[[File:Boss game studios concept art.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The concept art]]
Sometime during the late '90s, {{wp|Boss Game Studios}} pitched a ''Super Mario'' game to Nintendo of America. The only known proof of its existence is a storyboard, drawn by Patrick Michael Clark, bought in an online auction showing [[Mario]] stepping on a wooden plank, following by the wooden plank sprouting legs and walking in Mario's direction. According to a Boss Game Studios employee, "''The Mario thing I think was for a proposal. I’m not sure if we were trying to get the license from Nintendo to produce a Mario game, or if they approached us to do one. Either way, I think it died on the vine after they saw the concept art''"<ref>{{cite|author=Nintendo Player|url=www.nintendoplayer.com/art/super-mario-storyboard|title=Super Mario Original Presentation Storyboard|publisher=Nintendo Player|language=en|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>
{{br|left}}

====CD-i ''Donkey Kong'' game====
A [[Donkey Kong (series)|''Donkey Kong'' game]] was in development for the [[Philips CD-i]]. The game was revealed in the [http://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianjonesgames LinkedIn resume] of programmer Adrian Jackson-Jones, which states that it was in development during the 1992-1993 period at Riedel Software Productions. Jackson-Jones "designed and implemented the game engine" for the project;<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20190718105126/http://cdii.blogspot.com/2010/12/rsp-say-they-worked-on-donkey-kong-on.html|title=RSP say they worked on Donkey Kong on CD-i|publisher=Interactive Dreams|date=December 13, 2010|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> Jackson claims he worked on the game alongside programmer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-flatley-2552083a Owen Flatley] and that he has no surviving assets left of the game. These claims were corroborated in an investigation by ''Time Extension'' writer John Szczepaniak, who contacted both Jackson-Jones and Riedel Software Productions founder Michael J. Riedel. Riedel stated that the company had a habit of junking canceled projects' assets, while Jackson-Jones was able to confirm his involvement in spite of a memory disorder, stating that he still recalled the experience of programming the game. According to Jackson-Jones, a prominent challenge during development was the limited memory of the CD-i, which he overcame by only loading in on-screen elements based on the player's movement.<ref>{{cite|url=www.timeextension.com/features/like-zelda-and-mario-donkey-kong-was-supposed-to-get-a-philips-cd-i-game-what-happened|title=Like Zelda And Mario, Donkey Kong Was Supposed To Get A Philips CD-i Game - What Happened?|author=Szczepaniak, John|date=July 29, 2023|publisher=Time Extension|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

According to a Riedel Software Productions artist, the game would have been a branching side-scroller similarly to ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''. However, due to the limitations of the CD-i and issues with Philips, development did not progress past the storyboarding phase.<ref name=DYKGRumors />

====''DDR MARIO 2''====
According to a leaked internal Nintendo spreadsheet, a game labeled as '''''DDR MARIO 2''''' - presumably an abbreviation for '''''Dance Dance Revolution Mario 2''''' - was planned to be released on the Wii. The game was to be developed by Konami. However, the document mentions that development had not started yet; it may have never gotten past the concept stages.<ref>{{cite|url=www.resetera.com/threads/update-super-mario-64-and-oot-source-leaked-massive-nintendo-data-leak-source-code-to-yoshis-island-a-link-to-the-past-f-zero-and-more.254724/page-79?post=69882678#post-69882678|title=UPDATE: Super Mario 64 and OoT Source Leaked, Massive Nintendo Data Leak...Source Code to Yoshi's Island, A Link to the Past, F-Zero and more|publisher=ResetEra|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>{{better source}}

====''Diddy Kong Racing Adventure''====
[[File:Diddy Kong Racing Adventures title screen.png|thumb|The title screen of ''Diddy Kong Racing Adventure'']]
{{main|Diddy Kong Racing Adventure}}
''Diddy Kong Racing Adventure'' was a pitched sequel to ''Diddy Kong Racing'' being developed by {{wp|Climax Group|Climax}}. It was never announced to the public in any capacity and only became known after an amateur video game archivist acquired the prototype and published a video about it in November 2016.<ref>{{cite|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6d5IbpzFtw|title= Diddy Kong Racing Adventure : The Undeveloped Gamecube Racer|author=PtoPOnline|date=November 9, 2016|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

====''D.K.R. DMG''====
In an internal Rare document of games that were to be shown at E3 1998, one listing is for '''''D.K.R. DMG''''', with ''D.K.R.'' likely standing for ''Diddy Kong Racing'' and ''DMG'' referring to the [[Game Boy]].<ref>{{cite|author=@ItsMingyJongo|date=October 22, 2023|url=x.com/ItsMingyJongo/status/1716047318506451191|title=Tidying up again & found this for showing #banjokazooie at E3 1998. Fun doodle of box art WIP. We knew what we needed to provide. Just hope @grantkirkhope got the music done in time!|publisher=X|accessdate=archive.today/2023.10.25-223712/https://twitter.com/ItsMingyJongo/status/1716047318506451191}}</ref> The game was never publicly shown.

====''Donkey Kong IV''====
'''''Donkey Kong IV''''' is a rumored final title in the original ''Donkey Kong'' series. The game is stated to have only been test-marketed in arcades, never getting a full release. It was only ever reported in issue #13 of {{wp|Mean Machines}} magazine (October 1991), and was possibly the result of a misconception or confusion for another game (a likely candidate being Ocean's ''{{wp|Kong Strikes Back!}}'').<ref>{{cite|url=x.com/retrogamegeeks/status/859415398772596736|publisher=X|title=SUPER MARIO BROS. 3: Here's the Oct 1991 Mean Machines review & 4 page history of Mario feature #retrogaming #Nintendo #Mario #NES #gaming|date=May 2, 2017|accessdate=May 27, 2024|language=en}}</ref>

====''Donkey Kong Country 4''====
According to Rare employee Paul Rahme, it was internally suggested at Rare to make a new ''Donkey Kong Country'' game for the [[Nintendo DS]], tentatively named '''''Donkey Kong Country 4''''', as remaking the trilogy for the [[Game Boy Advance]] gave the developers experience and a good basis for making a sequel. The pitch ended up not getting much traction internally and was dropped.<ref>{{cite|date=October 7, 2011|url=www.dkvine.com/?p=1654|title=Donkey Kong Country 4: Here Comes [REDACTED PUN<nowiki>]</nowiki>!|publisher=DK Vine|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20111221071415/http://www.dkvine.com/features/stamped_dkcgba.html|title=The Donkey Kong Country GBA Trilogy|author=Matt, Chad|publisher=DK Vine|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

====''Freedom''====
After the release of ''[[Skylanders: SuperChargers]]'' in 2015, {{wp|Blizzard Albany|Vicarious Visions}} started development on a pitch for a [[Nintendo Switch]] game directed by founders Guha and Karthik Bala.<ref name=Freedom>{{cite|author=DidYouKnowGaming|date=May 4, 2024|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJlu9g8UEAI|title=Donkey Kong's Lost 3D Platformer & The Decay of Activision Blizzard|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 4, 2024}}</ref> The pitch, codenamed '''''Freedom''''', was a prototype for a ''Donkey Kong'' platformer set in an open island and focused on movement and flow featuring wall climbing and vine swinging, as well as a new grinding mechanic on sloped vines using banana peels inspired by the studio's past work on the ''{{wp|Tony Hawk's}}'' series and ''{{wp|Jet Grind Radio (Game Boy Advance video game)|Jet Grind Radio}}'' for the Game Boy Advance.<ref name=Freedom />

''Freedom'' would have featured a very different art style compared to past ''Donkey Kong'' games and ''Skylanders: SuperChargers'', where Donkey Kong would have had "{{wp|Tim Burton|Burton}}-esque" exaggerated proportions with big arms and small legs. Another planned setting for the ''Freedom'' prototype was a jungle-infested city, in which Donkey Kong would have had to climb up to upper areas by interacting with objects and building up momentum.<ref name=Freedom />

Despite receiving interest from Nintendo, Vicarious Visions' parent company {{wp|Activision}} canceled the game in spring 2016 to receive additional development for their major franchises.<ref name=Freedom /> The game's cancelation would be one of the reasons for the Bala brothers' departure from the company and founding of [[Velan Studios]],<ref name=Freedom /> which would later collaborate with Nintendo to develop ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]''.

====''Mario Factory''====
[[File:Mario Factory.jpg|thumb]]
In 1994, a Nintendo patent was created for a device that could create basic games for the SNES, likely intended for use in schools.<ref>{{cite|url=patents.google.com/patent/US6115036?oq=inassignee:"Nintendo+Co+Ltd"|title= Video game/videographics program editing apparatus with program halt and data transfer features|publisher=Google Patents|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> The program for creating said games was titled '''''Mario Factory''''', and featured loose adaptions of the ''Super Mario'' characters.<ref>{{cite|url=patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/4b/1a/bf/29a5fe6c45bf11/US6115036-drawings-page-9.png|title=''Mario Factory'' image|publisher=Google Patents|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> It is known that the patented machine itself had been released in Japan at some point, being used with the "Game Processor RAM Cassette".<ref>{{cite|url=x.com/luigiblood/status/1109479153747804160|title=Do you guys remember the Mario Factory patent? <nowiki>https://</nowiki>patents.google.com/patent/US6115036A/en Well thanks to the recent Satellaview uploads: We know it exists in some shape or form, it was called the "Game Processor". It makes games for the SNES.|date=March 23, 2019|publisher=X|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> It is possible that ''Mario Factory'' was actually completed and used for this machine, but nothing has ever proved this, and it may have been a non-''Super Mario''-branded software in the final product. This is unrelated to the Mario Factory arcade center in Japan.

====''Mario Motors''====
[[File:Mario Motors.jpg|thumb|left]]
'''''Mario Motors''''' was a pitch made by game designer {{wp|Yoot Saito}} for a [[Nintendo DS]] game. The game had players "''shaving and sculpting out of a chunk of metal to make a cylinder [which then] decides the ability of your engines.''". Saito also considered having the player blow in the DS's microphone to "''learn how acceleration works''" but scrapped it because the mechanic could have been too demanding for children. Despite initial interest from both [[Satoru Iwata]] and [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], the project never got off the ground with Saito stating, "''I can’t tell you why, but please guess.''"<ref>{{cite|author=Devore, Jordan|date=April 21, 2018|url=www.destructoid.com/yoot-saito-worked-on-mario-motors-a-canceled-ds-game-about-building-engines|title=Yoot Saito worked on Mario Motors, a canceled DS game about building engines|publisher=Destructoid|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>
{{br}}

====''Mario's Castle''====
'''''Mario's Castle''''' was a game announced for the canceled "Project Atlantis" portable system. The only known report of it was in an issue of the gaming magazine ''{{wp|Electronic Gaming Monthly}}''.<ref>{{cite|title=''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' Issue 083|date=June 1996|page=18}}</ref>

====''Mario's Mission Earth''====
'''''Mario's Mission Earth''''', also known as '''''Mario's Planet Quest''''',<ref>{{cite|author=@Borman18|date=July 6, 2021|url=x.com/Borman18/status/1412208320694337539|title=Digging through old documents tonight, lots of references to unreleased games and things I've forgotten about. Alongside someone who worked on Mario's Time Machine was one that I don't recognize for SNES: Mario's Planet Quest. Are we missing another educational Mario game?|publisher=X|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> was a canceled SNES edutainment game from The Software Toolworks, which would have likely been similar to ''[[Mario is Missing!]]'' and ''[[Mario's Time Machine]]''. The only evidence of the game's existence is a brief mention on composer {{wp|Mark Knight (musician)|Mark Knight}} (who also worked on the SNES port of ''Mario's Time Machine'') list of works on his personal webpage,<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20161025154707/http://www.gamesounds.co.uk/projects.php|title=Mark 'TDK' Knight - Sound Designer and Music Composer for Games, TV and Film.|publisher=Mark Knight|accessdate=May 30, 2024|language=en}}</ref> which was later reiterated on a post for a 2017 {{wp|Kickstarter}} campaign.<ref>{{cite|url=www.kickstarter.com/projects/yousee3d/the-commodore-story-changing-the-world-8-bits-at-a/posts/1811659|title=The Commodore Story - Changing the world 8-bits at a time by WavemStudios » New collaborator - Mark Knight - Games music and soundscape composer|publisher=Kickstarter|accessdate=May 27, 2024|language=en}}</ref> It is unclear how far the game got into development.

====Retro Studios' Boo pitch====
[[File:Project Haunt.jpg|thumb|left]]
From 2006 to 2007, [[Retro Studios]] developed a game for the [[Nintendo DS]] tentatively named ''The Blob Game'', in which the player controlled a blob that had to be flung using the touch screen. A pitch for the game featuring [[Boo]]s was created, which included artwork that was later posted online by former Retro Studios artist Sammy Hall.<ref name=RetroStudios>{{cite|author=DidYouKnowGaming|date=November 4, 2023|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i7P9nbOTvA|title=8 Cancelled Nintendo Games from Retro Studios (New Discoveries)]|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=November 4, 2032}}</ref> The Boo art includes sketches titled “possession powers” depicting a [[capture]]-like gameplay mechanic and new witch creatures called “Broomies”, alongside a potential world map. One sketch titled “Deep in debt at Haunt University” seems to depict a storyline involving a professor version of [[King Boo]]. The post containing the Boo pitch artwork, along with Sammy Hall's posts for a “[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda - Cancelled Games#Sheikah Action RPG by Retro Studios|cancelled ''Zelda'' project]]” starring [[Sheik]], was taken down from ArtStation on May 7, 2020.<ref>{{cite|author=Shinesparkers|date=May 5, 2020|url=shinesparkers.net/concept-artwork-surfaces-for-rumoured-sheik-and-boo-titles-by-retro-studios|title=Concept Artwork surfaces for rumoured Sheik and Boo titles by Retro Studios|publisher=Shinesparkers|accessdate=May 7, 2020}}</ref> Nintendo rejected the pitch, as they wanted to have Retro Studios spend developing time on other projects.<ref name=RetroStudios />
{{br|left}}

====''Super Donkey''====
[[File:Super-donkey-dk-sprites.png|thumb|200px|A ''Super Donkey'' Donkey Kong sprite sheet, found in a separate file from the ''Yoshi's Island'' source code.]]
'''''Super Donkey''''' was a ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'' game for the SNES. In July 2020, a large amount of Nintendo-related source code and prototypes were leaked to the public. Among this leak was the source code to ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'', which included many prototypes that were greatly different from the final product. However, two files are so early that they have virtually no connection to the game at all - "''super_donkey_1''" and "''super_donkey_2''". These games presumably served as the basis of what became ''Yoshi's Island'', though most elements of ''Super Donkey'' were eventually scrapped.<ref>{{cite|author=Sebastian|date=July 24, 2020|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rrhkv47Vdag|title=Super Nintendo Leaked Demos - super_donkey_1.bin|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> Among the recognizable elements are [[Melon Bug]]s, apes that may be an early version of [[Ukiki|Grinder]]s, and a dog enemy that may have been the inspiration for [[Poochy]].<ref>{{cite|author=Sebastian|date=July 24, 2020|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3IShS_ThPI|title=Super Nintendo Leaked Demos - super_donkey_2.bin|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

At first glance, the game itself features a generic protagonist and no connection to Mario. However, various graphic scratchpads (scattered across other files) confirm that at some point, the game starred Mario, with Donkey Kong appearing as well. This strongly implies that the game was originally a ''Donkey Kong'' title, which was never formally announced or shown to the public.

====''Super Mario''/''Rabbids'' crossover adventure game====
[[File:Scrapped rabbids crossover.jpg|thumb|left]]
In 2010, [[Ubisoft]] Paris had explored proposing a crossover between the ''Super Mario'' franchise and its own ''{{wp|Raving Rabbids|Rabbids}}'' franchise.<ref>{{cite|author=Robertson, Liam|date=June 12, 2017|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=21oZewbY0j4|title=Mario + Rabbids: The Lost Adventure Game Concept|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> The game was conceptualized as a "subversive, self-aware take" on the ''Super Mario'' franchise and concept art was produced depicting [[Rabbid]]s kidnapping [[Bowser]] as [[Mario]] chases them. According to an anonymous Ubisoft employee, the pitch was possibly rejected by Nintendo before it was formally shown. According to Ubisoft employee Davide Soliani, this rejected pitch is unrelated to the released ''[[Mario + Rabbids (series)|Mario + Rabbids]]'' series.<ref>{{cite|url=x.com/DavideSoliani/status/890940460587462656|title=Not at all 😂 (in response to Super Mario Wiki)|author=Soliani, Davide|publisher=X|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>
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====''Super Mario'' American football game====
During the early years of [[Retro Studios]], plans were underway for an American football game featuring Mario for the GameCube. At the request of Nintendo, the project was reworked early on to turn it into a generic, realistic football game (known as both ''NFL Retro Football'' and ''Retro Studios Football''). Its Mario-less incarnation was ultimately canceled as well, reportedly due to the release of ''{{wp|Madden NFL 2002}}'' on the GameCube.<ref name=RetroStudios /><ref>{{cite|url=www.unseen64.net/2008/04/08/football-retro-studios-gc-tech-demo|title=Retro Studios Football|date=April 8, 2008|author=Robertson, Liam|publisher=Unseen64|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===={{wp|Tesla}} ''Mario Kart'' game====
According to {{wp|Elon Musk}}, a ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' game that would be played on Tesla vehicles was proposed to Nintendo. Nintendo did not give them a license.<ref>{{cite|author=Lanier, Liz|date=November 30, 2018|url=variety.com/2018/gaming/news/elon-musk-mario-kart-for-teslas-1203063715|title=Elon Musk Claims Nintendo Wouldn’t License ‘Mario Kart’ for Teslas|language=en|publisher=Variety|accessdate=March 25, 2019}}</ref> 

====''VB Mario Kart''====
The German magazine ''Big N'' claimed that a Virtual Boy installment of the ''Mario Kart'' series, tentatively named '''''VB Mario Kart''''', was in development.<ref>{{cite|title=''Big N'' magazine|language=de|date=July-August 2000|page=[[Media:Big N Magazine (Germany) VB.jpg|19]]}}</ref> The only known media report of it is Big N's August 2000 issue, which listed it among various other canceled Virtual Boy projects. As such, ''VB Mario Kart'' ended up being canceled due to the discontinuation of the Virtual Boy for its poor sales.

====''Wario Pool''====
[[File:Scrapped wariopool intro.gif|thumb|The mockup]]
'''''Wario Pool''''' is a cancelled rework of the 2001 Game Boy Color billiards game ''{{wp|3D Pocket Pool}}''. The game's publisher, {{wp|Virgin Interactive}}, wanted to rework their game into a ''[[Wario (franchise)|Wario]]'' game during development because ''3D Pocket Pool'' was not receiving any attention, no matter what they tried, so they decided to reach out to [[Nintendo]] to rework the game with [[Wario]] as the main character. The pitch was ultimately rejected, so ''3D Pocket Pool'' released as originally planned.<ref>{{cite|author=Nick Pelling|title=''Retro Gamer'' issue #26|page=84}}</ref> {{wp|Nick Pelling}} later posted the mock-up intro to the game on his website.<ref>[https://www.nickpelling.com/wariopool.gif''Wario Pool'' intro]</ref>

====''Yoshi Racing''====
'''''Yoshi Racing''''', or '''''Yoshi Racers''''',<ref name=DYKGRumors /> was a rejected pitch for a 3D game in the ''[[Yoshi (franchise)|Yoshi]]'' franchise. The game was revealed in an article by ''{{wp|Eurogamer}}'' detailing {{wp|Argonaut Games}}' involvement in the development of ''[[lylatwiki:Star Fox (game)|Star Fox]]''<ref name="Eurogamer">{{cite|url=www.eurogamer.net/born-slippy-the-making-of-star-fox|date=June 22, 2014|title=Born slippy: the making of Star Fox|publisher=Eurogamer|language=en|author=McFarren, Damien|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> where the game was described as a 3D platformer and left unnamed, while a message board post by an Argonaut employee named the game "''Yoshi Racing''" and described it as a character racing game.<ref name="NeoGaf">{{cite|author=inpHilltr8r|date=December 29, 2016|url=www.neogaf.com/threads/larry-bundy-jr-4-times-shigeru-miyamoto-was-an-asshole.1328992/page-8#post-227362239|Post on NeoGAF|publisher=NeoGAF}}</ref>

According to Argonaut Games employee Nic Cusworth in an interview from the book ''The Minds Behind Adventure Games'', during the end of ''{{wp|Creature Shock}}''{{'}}s development in 1994, an animator created two test animations on PC featuring colored Yoshis racing in an obstacle course.<ref name=DYKGRumors /> Following this, Argonaut's Jez San went to [[Nintendo]] to pitch the idea,<ref name=DYKGRumors /> but they did not follow on the offer, with San speculating this was because the company did not want to let third-parties use its characters.<ref name="Yoshi">{{cite|author=San, Jez|quote=The end came when we pitched to do a 3D platform game, the likes of which had never been done before. We mocked up a prototype using Yoshi. It was essentially the world's first 3D platform game and was obviously a big risk - Nintendo had never let an outside company use their characters before, and weren't about to, either. This is the moment the deal fell apart.}}</ref> After this setback, Argonaut decided to retool the pitch into an original IP, ''{{wp|Croc: Legend of the Gobbos}}''.

Jez San believes that the refusal to pick up the ''Yoshi'' pitch was the final blow to Nintendo and Argonaut's relationship, which was previously damaged by the cancelation of the nearly completed ''[[lylatwiki:Star Fox 2|Star Fox 2]]''.<ref name="Yoshi"/><ref name="Apology">{{cite|author=San, Jez|quote=Miyamoto-san came up to me at a show afterwards and apologized for not doing the Yoshi game with us and thanked us for the idea to do a 3D platform game. He also said that we would make enough royalties from our existing deal to make up for it. That felt hollow to me, as I'm of the opinion that Nintendo ended our agreement without fully realizing it. They canned Star Fox 2 even though it was finished and used much of our code in Star Fox 64 without paying us a penny.}}</ref> San further claims that the prototype influenced ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', stating that ''"[[Shigeru Miyamoto|Miyamoto-san]] went on to make Mario 64, which had the look and feel of our Yoshi game - but with the [[Mario]] character, of course"''. Jez San also recalls an occurrence where Shigeru Miyamoto came to him and apologized for not picking up the ''Yoshi'' game.<ref name="Apology"/>

====Yoshi version of ''Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble''====

In an interview regarding the development of ''[[wikirby:Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble|Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble]]'', a developer on the game stated that the team had experimented with various main characters before settling on Kirby, including a version of the game starring Yoshi.<ref>{{cite|author=Hobonichi'|date=November 4, 2000|url=https://www.1101.com/nintendo/nin15/index.htm|language=JPInterview on Hobonichi's website|publisher=1101.com}}</ref>

===Film===

====Film adaptation of ''[[Super Paper Mario]]''====
Director {{wp|Seth Gordon}} planned to release a film adaptation of ''Super Paper Mario'', but has not had the opportunity to talk to Nintendo about it.<ref>{{cite|archive=web.archive.org/web/20080126114909/http://www.gwn.com/news/story.php/id/14249/Super_Paper_Mario_The_Movie.html|title=''Super Paper Mario'': The Movie|publisher=Gameworld Network|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

====Sony Pictures ''Super Mario'' film====
Internal emails leaked to the public by proxy of the 2014 {{wp|Sony Pictures hack}} detailed negotiations between {{wp|Avi Arad}} and Nintendo to have {{wp|Sony Pictures}} produce a ''Super Mario'' movie. The email exchange between Avi Arad and Sony Pictures executive {{wp|Amy Pascal}} showed photos of Arad meeting with [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] and [[Satoru Iwata]]; Pascal would later forward one of the emails to another executive with the comment "Avi closed Mario brothers" (Arad would later state to the press the deal had in fact not been closed after the emails were made public by the hack).<ref>{{cite|auhtor=Vary, Adam B.|date=December 11, 2014|url=www.buzzfeednews.com/article/adambvary/sony-nintendo-mario-bros-movie|title=Movie Rights From Nintendo, Leaked Emails Show|publisher=Buzzfeed|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> Although no information beyond what is found in the leaked emails was made public, it seems the talks for ''Super Mario'' broke down, as Nintendo would officially announce in 2018 that [[The Super Mario Bros. Movie|a ''Super Mario'' film]] would be produced by [[Illumination]], an animation company owned by Sony Pictures' rival {{wp|Universal Pictures}} best known for the ''{{wp|Despicable Me (franchise)|Despicable Me}}'' franchise. However, it was eventually announced on November 7th, 2023 that Nintendo would collaborate with Avi Arad and Sony Pictures on adapting ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda (Series)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' as [[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda Live-Action Film|a live-action film]], indicating that neither party dropped the idea of collaborating entirely.<ref>{{cite|author=Nintendo Co., Ltd., Arad Productions Inc., Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.|date=November 8, 2023|url=www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2023/231108.html|title=Development of a Live-Action Film of The Legend of Zelda to Start|publisher=nintendo.co.jp|accessdate=November 7, 2023|archive=web.archive.org/web/20231107220615/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2023/231108.html}}</ref>

===Print media===
====Archie Comics ''Super Mario'' comic pitch====
[[File:Archie Mario comic - cover (color).jpg|thumb|100px|Tentative cover art for the pitch]]
{{main|Archie Comics Super Mario comic}}
Comic book publisher {{wp|Archie Comics}} (which has published other comics based on famous video game properties including ''{{wp|Sonic the Hedgehog (comic series)|Sonic the Hedgehog}}'' and ''{{wp|Mega Man (Archie Comics)|Mega Man}}'') pitched a ''Super Mario'' comic book series to [[Nintendo]], but it was rejected, as confirmed by writer {{wp|Ian Flynn}}.<ref>{{cite|author=rawmeatcowboy|date=November 2, 2015|url=www.gonintendo.com/stories/245998-archie-pitched-nintendo-a-super-mario-comic-but-it-was-shot-down|title=Archie pitched Nintendo a Super Mario comic, but it was shot down|publisher=Go Nintendo|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> The concept art for the pitch was drawn by Archie artists {{wp|Tracy Yardley}} and Ben Bates.

====Fleetway ''Super Mario'' comic pitch====
[[File:Fleetway mario comic pitch.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The pitch]]
In the mid-90's,<ref name="UltimateFrieza">{{cite|author=Sonic The Comic Reviews|date=September 25, 2015|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlYkTu0bxyU|title=Mario The Comic? The Official Nintendo Comic that nearly came to be|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref> Nintendo, seeing the success of {{wp|Fleetway Publications}}'s ''[[SonicRetro:Sonic The Comic|Sonic The Comic]]'', approached the company with an offer to make a similar title based on Nintendo characters. To this end, artist Richard Elson and writer Nigel Kitching produced a mock-up,  featuring a cover and a short story showing Mario and Luigi arriving in the [[Mushroom Kingdom]], fighting [[Koopaling]]s and [[Boo]]s, coming to face with a monstrous [[Donkey Kong Jr.]], and finally escaping in a [[Warp Pipe]]. Nintendo ultimately passed over the idea after taking multiple years to make a decision<ref name="UltimateFrieza"/>

Reflecting on the comic, an unnamed source explained that Nintendo was a more "regulated" and "hands-on" company than [[Sega]] and that having to wait for approval for a regular publication such as a comic would have been a "nightmare."<ref name="UltimateFrieza"/>
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====Kinoppe spin-off manga====
In the author notes of his self-published ''doujin'' book ''Kinoppe-Chan Forever vol 2'', the author of [[Super Mario (Kodansha manga)|Comic BonBon's ''Super Mario'' manga]], Kazuki Motoyama, states that a former editor had pitched him a spin-off manga starring  the manga's mascot character [[Kinoppe]]. These plans were halted when Nintendo unexpectedly pulled ComicBonBon's Mario manga license in 1997.

===Miscellaneous===
====Animated ''Super Mario'' project pitch====
[[File:Ryan Lang Mario project pitch.jpg|thumb|Artwork for the pitch]]
On May 9, 2019, visual development artist Ryan Lang posted on his {{wp|Instagram}} account artwork for a rejected pitch of an animated ''Super Mario'' project.<ref>{{file link|Ryan Lang Mario project pitch post.jpg|Screenshot of the original post}}</ref> The artwork depicts Mario captured by a [[Piranha Plant]] with an eyepatch on a [[kart]], who are being pursued by Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong, and Yoshi on a [[Shy Guy]]'s kart.

====''Super Mario Bros. Christmas Show''====
Among the trademarks present in the document "Action man & 67 other titles; musical compositions." filed by [[DIC Entertainment]] and {{wp|EMI Music Publishing}} is one for the '''''Super Mario Bros. Christmas Show'''''.<ref>{{cite|url=cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/doctitles.cgi?V3384P251|title=Action man & 67 other titles; musical compositions|publisher=United States Copyright Office|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref> Additionally, the document "SMC 60 second theme; musical compositions." filed by [[Andy Heyward]] and his wife contains a trademark for the ''Super Maria{{sic}} Bros. Christmas Show''.<ref>{{cite|url=cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/doctitles.cgi?V9905D835|title=SMC 60 second theme; musical compositions.|publisher=United States Copyright Office|accessdate=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

==References==
<references/>

{{unreleased media}}
{{Pre-release and unused content}}
[[Category:Unreleased media|*]]
[[Category:Games|*]]
[[Category:Terms]]