Nintendo's most acclaimed game console in years has been on the market for seven months, but it's been missing one essential thing: a flagship Super Mario game. That changes Friday with the launch of Super Mario Odyssey, Mario's first sandbox-style adventure since 2002's Super Mario Sunshine. It's a critical moment for Nintendo, considering holiday sales of the Switch could hinge on Odyssey's success. TIME sat down with Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé to discuss Super Mario Odyssey, the Switch, and why Nintendo is competing with more than just Sony and Microsoft's consoles. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity. TIME: Two of the Switch's biggest games, Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, are significant re-imaginings of those franchises. Both add aspects that were never possible before and revamp core gameplay elements. Why is now the right time to be rethinking those series? http://time.com/5000167/nintendo-switch-super-mario-odyssey/
