Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Description

Super Mario 3D All‑Stars was a time-limited compilation released for the Switch on 18 September 2020 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. and removed from sale on 31 March 2021. It brings together high‑definition versions of three landmark 3D platformers in the series: Super Mario 64 (1996), Super Mario Sunshine (2002), and Super Mario Galaxy (2007).

Each game is presented largely as it was originally designed, but with visual upgrades, improved resolution, and adapted controls for the Switch’s Joy‑Con and handheld modes. Super Mario 64 runs in its original 4:3 aspect ratio at 720p, while Sunshine is displayed in widescreen 16:9 at 1080p in TV mode, and Galaxy also runs in 1080p with motion controls mapped to the Joy‑Con or touch input in handheld mode. The collection includes a music player mode with 175 tracks spanning all three games, allowing players to listen to the soundtracks even when not actively playing.

While praised for the quality of the included titles and the convenience of having them on a modern platform, the release drew criticism for its limited‑time availability, both physically and digitally. Additionally there were complaints over the absence of Super Mario Galaxy 2. Fast forward five years to Mario’s 40th anniversary just after the Switch 2 launch, Nintendo announced a Switch 1/2 release of Galaxy and Galaxy 2. Despite only being available for half a year, it sold over nine million copies, making it one of the best‑selling games of that year.