Nintendo surprised everyone with a brand new Nintendo Direct episode that was centred entirely around the 35th anniversary of Super Mario. We had heard rumours for a while that Nintendo had some big plans for this anniversary. Now, we know what they are.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars Headlines 35th Anniversary Celebration
The biggest announcement out of all of them was Super Mario 3D All-Stars. This is a collection of three of Mario’s most iconic games, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. It’s not simply a rerelease of the original games as they were for the Nintendo Switch, though.
All three of these games are going to run at a higher resolution with improved visuals. They will also have a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. Strangely enough, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is only going to be available for sale for a limited period. Players will be able to pick it up starting September 18, 2020, until March 31, 2021. This time limit applies to both the physical and digital versions of this collection.
Multiple Other Mario Games, Hardware Also Coming
Nintendo also announced a Switch version of Super Mario 3D World. This game originally launched in 2013 for the Wii U. It will come with an expansion titled ‘Bowser’s Fury’ on February 12, 2021. The Super Mario goodness didn’t stop there, though.
We’re also getting Super Mario Bros. 35, a competitive multiplayer version of the original Super Mario. It seems like absolute mayhem and I can’t wait to see how it works. Mario is also getting some hardware for his 35th anniversary. Nintendo revealed a tiny handheld called a Game & Watch which lets you play the original Super Mario Bros. game, while also serving as an alarm clock.
Nintendo Hasn’t Forgotten The Mobile Platform Yet
Mobile users have something new to look forward to as well. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, is an augmented reality-based version of Mario Kart. Players can buy an actual Mario or Luigi toy starting October 16, 2020, which will race on virtual tracks around your house.
Finally, Animal Crossing: New Horizons players will finally be able to decorate their houses with Mario-themed furniture. That’s not happening until March 2021, though.
