Nintendo has confirmed that the new Super Mario Run will require continuous Internet connection to be played. Some gamers have expressed disappointment over the news and questioned why such an important detail was not revealed earlier.

Super Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto explained that Internet connectivity is necessary on Super Mario Run for all the modes to function together. Initially, Nintendo considered offering the World Tour mode offline, but then it would complicate the connection with the two other modes. Tech Times reported that the World Tour single-player mode was connected to the Toad Rally and Mushroom Kingdom mode which has features that require server connection.

Miyamoto explained that requiring internet connectivity to play Super Mario Run was also more of an anti-piracy measure. Nintendo, he said, considers its software as its asset, according to Mashable. He elaborated that "for consumers who are purchasing the game, we want to make sure that we're able to offer it to them in a way that the software is secure, and that they're able to play it in a stable environment."

Since Super Mario Run would only be released in 150 countries, Nintendo saw it fit to tighten the security since different countries have different network environments. While analyst think that the requirement would keep pirates away, several gamers have expressed disappointment as they would not be able to access the game on the go.

Aside from the disappointment of gamers, several analysts are also concerned that if the design is implemented poorly, Super Mario Run might end up being like EA's Sim City, which was unplayable during the first few days of its run due to server issues.

The internet connection requirement will not slow down the sales of Super Mario Run, according to Comic Book. The title is expected to be one of the holiday's best-selling titles, and Nintendo could generate up to $70 million on the first week of the launch.

Nintendo's Super Mario Run will reach Apple devices on December 15. The game will be free to play, but it would cost $9.99 to unlock all premium content.