Key Takeaways:
- Super Mario 3D All-Stars has been updated for improved performance on the Nintendo Switch 2.
- The collection remains unavailable for new purchase, frustrating fans.
- Speculation grows that a re-release could arrive for Mario’s 40th anniversary in 2025.
Nintendo has begun quietly upgrading some of its beloved legacy titles to enhance performance on the recently launched Nintendo Switch 2. Among them is Super Mario 3D All-Stars, the once-limited collection of three classic Mario adventures—Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. However, this update hasn’t landed smoothly with fans, reigniting frustration over the game’s discontinued availability.
A Surprise Patch for a Discontinued Favorite
Nintendo confirmed that Super Mario 3D All-Stars received an update to “address several issues and improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.” This vague statement mirrors similar updates for games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which have seen performance boosts on the new console.
But while fans welcome the improved visuals and smoother gameplay, many are puzzled as to why Nintendo would polish a title that has not been available for new purchase since 2021.
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Fans React: “Commendable or Infuriating?”
On Reddit and social media, reactions to the patch have been mixed. User SliderGamer55 wrote, “Nintendo stopped selling this game nearly four and a half years ago. I have no idea if this update is commendable or infuriating.” Another user echoed the sentiment, questioning the logic of updating a game that remains locked behind limited-time availability.
The update’s timing—just months before Super Mario Bros.’ 40th anniversary—has fueled speculation that a broader re-release may be on the horizon.
A 40th Anniversary Collection Coming?
Nintendo’s update to Super Mario 3D All-Stars comes at a time when fans are eagerly watching for signs of a new Mario collection. The original bundle was launched for the franchise’s 35th anniversary in 2020 but was heavily criticized for its short retail window and lack of Super Mario Galaxy 2.
With the 40th anniversary fast approaching in 2025 and rumors of an upcoming Nintendo Direct this month, some speculate that Nintendo could be preparing a new or expanded version of the 3D All-Stars collection—including the long-missing Galaxy 2.
Conclusion: Legacy Game, Modern Mystery
Nintendo’s decision to quietly enhance Super Mario 3D All-Stars for Switch 2 has raised eyebrows, especially given its elusive availability. Whether this move is laying the groundwork for a full re-release—or simply an effort to improve the experience for existing owners—remains unclear.
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