Link is coming to Super Mario Maker 2 on Switch

Super Mario Maker 2 is getting a free update. The update will add Link from The Legend of Zelda series as a playable character. Also included in the update are new course parts and a new game play mode.

The new Master Sword item will be available after downloading Ver. 2.0.0 update and will be available exclusively in the 8-bit Super Mario Bros. style. When this new part is picked up, Mario will transform into Link, complete with a new set of moves such as attacking with a sword, shooting arrows and dropping bombs.

Transforming Mario into Link using the Master Sword will open up a whole new world of design possibilities for creators. Using arrows, Link can shoot far-off switches that are out of reach for Mario. Also, because Link can use bombs, some walls that normally would be impassable for Mario can now be easily blown up.

In addition to Link the update will also add more course parts, enemies as well as new Ninji Speedruns mode where players can take on a timed challenge created by Nintendo exclusively for this mode. Other players’ Ninji Ghosts will run alongside players as they compete against rivals from around the world. Players can also collect stamps by clearing courses and redeem them in-game to get special Mii costumes.

Each Ninji Speedrun event will run for one week, with new courses distributed periodically. During the event, players will be ranked by their play time in that course.

The free update is available on 5 December and will include the following also:

• Dash Block: Available in the Super Mario 3D World style, the Dash Block course part gives Mario a major speed burst when stepped on.
• Frozen Coin: These coins are surrounded by a block of ice and can only be released if melted by fireballs or other fire elements, including a certain angry sun.
• P Block: When a P Switch is hit in the course, invisible P Blocks temporarily turn into hard platforms, or vice-versa.
• Spike: This classic enemy coughs up massive spike balls and launches them at Mario. If used in the snow environment, Spike will toss snowballs instead!
• Pokey: The iconic stacked cactus from multiple Super Mario games joins Super Mario Maker 2 for the first time. Players can even edit the height of each Pokey.