Nintendo is planning on remastering most Super Mario Bros. games for the Nintendo Switch, a report has found. The ports are meant to coincide with the series' 35th anniversary, along with other major plans Nintendo currently has in the works for the Super Mario franchise. If true, it would mark some of the console's most significant ports yet.
The report comes from Video Games Chronicle, with the remasters, as well as a new Paper Mario game, intended to be announced alongside new details of Nintendo's partnership with Universal, including the Super Mario World portion of Universal Studios, and an animated Super Mario movie. Hollywood Reporter had polled Nintendo fans about what franchise they'd like to see become a film, and Super Mario was the frontrunner, so an animated Mario movie isn't a bad choice.
Originally, the announcements were meant for June, during E3. However, E3's cancelation has thrown a wrench in those plans, and Nintendo is working to find an alternative. That likely means something akin to a traditional Nintendo Direct. When asked for comment about the possible remasters, Nintendo simply stated that it "does not comment on rumors and speculation." The 35th anniversary of a franchise is a big deal, and it does seem like Nintendo would have some special planned for it.
In 2015, Nintendo celebrated its 30th Mario anniversary with the release of Super Mario Maker, which did receive a sequel on the Nintendo Switch. The Super Mario franchise is one of gaming's biggest and most immediately recognizable, and a remastered collection of the games would undoubtedly sell well. Kotaku's Jason Schreier, well known in the industry for subtly and not-so-subtly leaking games, tweeting the report and stating, "Cannot wait to replay Super Mario Galaxy on my Nintendo Switch," which may add some credibility to the leaks.
Still, it's important to take the information with a grain of salt. While everything does appear to line up, a remaster of almost every Super Mario Bros. does sound a little bit too good to be true. Only time will tell, though, and it is possible that Nintendo has something big up its sleeves for fans.
Super Mario Bros. is one of Nintendo's longest-running franchises.
Source: Video Games Chronicle