Super Mario Run has been downloaded over 40 million times

Nintendo has announced that its iOS game Super Mario Run has been downloaded more than 40 million times in just four days. It’s not clear how many people actually bought the game. Analysts estimate that this is four percent.

Nintendo has announced the number of downloads of the game on its Japanese site. Super Mario Run was released on December 15 and is currently only available on iOS. A version for Android is coming next year.

The game is free to download, but to play all levels it must be unlocked through an in-app purchase of 9.99 euros. Nintendo will not disclose how much money players have paid to play Super Mario Run. Analyst firm App Annie estimates that four percent of players have done so. This brings revenue to about $16 million. App Annie specializes in analysis and statistics tools for apps and bases its estimates on actual mobile usage in combination with its own datasets. According to Nintendo, the game tops the list of most popular free games in 140 countries and regions. In 100 countries, Super Mario Run is in the top ten of the most money-making apps.

Polygon notes that the game has received an update that adds a new Friendly Run mode. This allows players to compete against each other in a Toad Rally, with nothing at stake. Players who have not completed the first game world can play a maximum of one Friendly Run per day. To complete World 1, the game must be purchased. Players can then play up to three friendly races per day after completing the first world. That goes up to five races a day when finishing the second world.

Nintendo’s share has fallen about 13 percent in value since the game’s release. Although the game is downloaded a lot, the app also gets a lot of negative reviews from users. People complain about the relatively high price compared to other apps and about the requirement that an internet connection is required to play the game.