Miyamoto readies a more mature Mario title for Nintendo's next gen console

In a recent update to Nintendo's online magazine, legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto mentioned the next incarnation of the Mario franchise, which, it seems, isn't Nintendo 64 bound. Rather, the fat Italian plumber and his green-suited brother Luigi will make their next appearance for Nintendo's next gen console, codenamed Dolphin, which is scheduled for worldwide release next year.

After a brief introductory speech about the virtues of Mario, Miyamoto cut to the chase.
"Whenever new hardware comes out, Mario has to play the leading part as the console's 'top batter' - that's why he has to exercise a lot," joked the master designer. "Right now, he's getting in shape for the Dolphin."

"You'll see a completely new side of Mario on Dolphin. Don't you agree that in recent times, both Mario and Luigi have become a little too cutesy? I feel it's time that they became a bit more grown-up. That's where the Dolphin comes in. For example, right now, Mario always does the 'V' (Victory) sign with his fingers. I think that's a little too childish now. For the Dolphin version, I'd like to replace the 'V' sign with an entirely new pose."

Miyamoto added that Luigi is perfectly happy to play the supporting role in Mario's next adventure, but that he'll definitely have a part in it. As a matter of fact, Luigi is used a lot in the current development version of the Dolphin Mario game. "If an onlooker were to see the game in our development room, he'd probably think that Luigi is the main character."
Meanwhile, developer skepticism regarding Nintendo's chances to make its 2000 release date for Dolphin seems to have subsided a bit. At least two major software houses commented on the record that they believe the Dolphin hardware will be ready for launch next year. And with Miyamoto and team currently underway with what will undoubtedly be the console's premier game, it appears that at least some in-house software may also be ready for the system's debut.

Courtesy of IGN.com