Nintendo’s Australian launch of Super Mario Galaxy 2 in Melbourne today resulted in a new world record for the most hugs received by a mascot in 20 minutes. Mario received 177 hugs.
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Eager Melburnians braved the cold July morning to secure the first copies of this highly anticipated video game, which is said to be receiving rave reviews internationally.
One lucky fan walked away with one of the only signed copies from Mr Miyamoto himself, the genius behind Mario and other Nintendo games, and every hugger received a personalised photo of the occasion.
The current world record for the most hugs set by a human (not wearing a mascot costume) is held by 51-year-old Jeff Ondash who hugged 7777 people in 24 hours outside the Paris Las Vegas casino in February 2010. Due to Mario needing a rest every 20 minutes, the hugging time was limited to 20 minutes.
The achievement is in the process of being formally registered with The World Record Academy, the leading international organisation which certifies world records.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is out today.
