Super Mario 3D All-Stars was one of many games announced in a special Mario focused Nintendo Direct yesterday. The special collection is only weeks away from releasing on September 18th and though many fans are excited, some confusing details about Super Mario 3D All-Stars are making fans scratch their heads.
Containing 3 classic games, Super Mario 3D All-Stars celebrates Mario's venture into 3D gaming with Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy in one package. All three games were instant classics when they originally released on Nintendo's older consoles but Super Mario Galaxy's inclusion has left many fans with questions regarding controls that Nintendo has yet to officially announce answers to.
Originally released for the Nintendo Wii, Super Mario Galaxy offered a unique take on the Mario formula with the inclusion of motion controls. Players could point a Wii Remote to the TV screen to collect starbits and shake the controller to make Mario spin jump. Both functions were required to progress in many levels within the game and both functions are missing from Nintendo's latest revision, the Nintendo Switch Lite.
This left fans questioning whether 1/3rd of the collection would simply not be playable on the platform with Nintendo not releasing an official statement to clarify. Polygon did reach out to Nintendo regarding the topic with Nintendo stating that gyro aiming would receive a big change in Mario Galaxy and be handled via touch screen when playing on the go but the company has yet to clarify on how the spin jump will be implemented on the handheld.
Nintendo celebrated Mario's 35th anniversary with an insane amount of announcements in the special Direct. Games announced ranged from the addition of Super Mario All-Stars for Nintendo Switch Online members, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury launching in 2021, and Super Mario 3D All-Stars. In addition, Nintendo has partnered up with several companies to release Mario themed products ranging from sneakers, board games, to official LEGO sets, all releasing this year. Many of Nintendo's other 1st party games will also be celebrating with Splatoon receiving a Mario-themed Splatfest in the new year and Animal Crossing: New Horizons receiving Mario-themed clothes and furniture.
Mario's 35th anniversary is a huge milestone for Nintendo. The series is largely responsible for Nintendo's success that has carried the company through multiple console generations. Whether it's through game releases like Super Mario 3D All-Stars, paraphernalia, or even giving the eShop a Mario makeover, its great to see the company celebrate this milestone with fans, giving the plumber the spotlight he deserves.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars launches September 18th for the Nintendo Switch.