With the Nintendo 3DS pose to sell as many units as its predecessor, the Nintendo DS, in its first year Nintendo is fueling the fledging handheld with the release of Super Mario 3D Land. The title along with Mario Kart 7 is likely help sell the 3DS system, but not everyone will be happy with the game.

Animal rights group, PeTA is up in arms over one of Mario’s iconic powerups, the raccoon-like Tanooki skin. In a parody of Super Mario, players are tasked to help a skinned tanooki reclaim its bloodied fur by taking down Mario. The game is accompanied by a statement, PeTA writes

When on a mission to rescue the princess, Mario has been known to use any means necessary to defeat his enemy—even wearing the skin of a raccoon dog to give him special powers.

Tanooki may be just a "suit" in Mario games, but in real life, tanuki are raccoon dogs who are skinned alive for their fur. By wearing Tanooki, Mario is sending the message that it's OK to wear fur. Play Super Tanooki Skin 2D and help Tanooki reclaim his fur!

Nintendo has yet to comment on the matter but I’ll give you all my two-cents. It’s A FREAKING VIDEO GAME. PETA’s argument is right up there with games causing individuals to commit violent crimes. For years, Nintendo games have featured powerups that often gave players new abilities and looks. Mario has been a frog, penguin, squirrel and much more. There are no scenes in any Mario game when you have to skin an animal first before you gain their abilities. Mario simply TRANSFORMS into these animals. Give me a damn break.