Mario and Donkey Kong will become a fixture of UK classrooms following the introduction of Nintendo games to the computing curriculum - including a national eSports competition in schools.

Digital Schoolhouse is a not-for-profit scheme, supported by Nintendo and backed by the UK government, that uses video games to help teach computing and other life skills to youngsters.

Image: Nintendo games are played on the Switch console. Pic: Nintendo

One game offered through the initiative is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - a fighting game that sees players choose between a variety of popular characters, including Pokemon.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a competitive multiplayer game and will be the focus of the eSports competition, which Digital Schoolhouse said would help develop teamwork skills.

Kalpesh Tailor, head of communications at Nintendo UK, said the programme - which is also backed by gaming industry trade body Ukie - would "inspire the next generation of young minds across the UK".


Several other games companies have joined Digital Schoolhouse since it launched in 2014, and it is forecast to reach about 32,000 pupils and 7,000 teachers over the next academic year.

The announcement of an eSports competition comes after an Essex teenager won a share of a a $2.25m (£1.8m) prize at the first Fortnite World Cup over the summer.

Jaden Ashman, who goes by the gamer name Wolfiez, shared the cash with his Dutch gaming partner David "Rojo" Jong after the event in New York.