Nintendo Shares Soar On Super Mario Mobile Game

Shares (Berlin: DI6.BE - news) in Nintendo have surged by as much as 18% in Japan following the surprise announcement of a Super Mario game - for mobile users.

The firm, best-known for its focus on consoles, showed off Super Mario Run at the launch event for Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL - news) 's new iPhone 7 range on Wednesday.

The plan is to launch it on Apple's App Store in December. No time was given for when Android users can get their hands on it.

The game marks the company's first solo venture into the lucrative mobile gaming market, which sees users pay to buy games and even upgrade their functionality.

The rise in Nintendo shares during Thursday trading in Japan added $6bn to its market value by the close.

Investors were apparently pleased by the new direction which signalled an end to Nintendo's previous determination to protect its console business, which has been loss-making in the past.

There had been a feeding frenzy for its stock earlier this summer as the Pokemon GO craze kicked-off worldwide but the rally dissipated when the company confirmed it was a partner in the phenomenon, not the sole owner.

Nintendo said Super Mario Run was developed by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the puppet-inspired Mario character more than 35 years ago, who gave the demonstration at the Apple launch.

He said Super Mario had "evolved whenever he has encountered a new platform".

He added: "For the first time ever, players will be able to enjoy a full-fledged Super Mario game with just one hand, giving them the freedom to play while riding the subway or my favourite, eating a hamburger."