Unlike Jump Rope Challenge, Nintendo did not back down from its promise to de-list Super Mario 3D All-Stars on March 31. The game, alongside several other Mario products, were swiftly removed from storefronts. While all the removals sting to various extents, losing the games in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection is especially disheartening. After all, these are three of the industry’s defining platformers. For the brief period that 3D All-Stars was on sale, the games were widely accessible on Nintendo Switch. Now, players who missed out will have to track down alternatives to play Mario‘s classics.
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Unfortunately, all of these games now require older hardware. While the Nintendo Switch has a great array of modern Mario adventures, in the absence of Virtual Console, these titles are no longer available on the hybrid system. The Wii used to be the definitive way to check out Mario‘s 3D platformers, as between Wii discs, Virtual Console and backward compatibility, it could play all three games in the All-Stars package. However, with the system’s Wi-Fi connection shut down, that one-stop solution is out the window. However, there are several options for players to investigate for each individual title.
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 is one of the gaming industry’s foundational releases. It pioneered many mechanical innovations at a time when 3D gaming was trying to find its footing. Even today, Super Mario 64 is a delight to play; The game is creatively bold and packed full of secrets to find.
While there is the option of original hardware for Mario 64, that’s not the most accessible way to play. The Wii U Virtual Console release is a solid option. Unfortunately, Wii U emulation isn’t the best visually, but the low price tag of the Super Mario 64 port and the versatility of the GamePad make this worthwhile. Super Mario 64 DS is viable as well, though this remake is a much different experience than the original. Still, when played through Nintendo 3DS backward compatibility, this is an accessible and content-rich revisit of the classic.
Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshine is both a tonal and mechanical departure from Super Mario 64. It’s still unique almost 20 years removed from its launch. Between the cinematic presentation, tropical setting and F.L.U.D.D. mechanic, this game is a fresh look at Mario. It’s arguably Mario’s most divisive title as well. However, its mixed reputation makes Sunshine even more exciting to revisit.
Regrettably, this revisit is a costly one. Super Mario Sunshine‘s only re-release after its GameCube launch was Super Mario 3D All-Stars. As such, fans will need to buy a GameCube copy of the game, a memory card and either a GameCube or Wii to enjoy this title. Wii may be the better option, as it can naturally play Super Mario Galaxy as well. Plus, backwards compatible Wii units are fairly cheap, which will help compensate for the hefty price tag that Sunshine still commands.
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy is one of Nintendo’s most polished and triumphantly grand games of all-time. From the complex yet intuitive mechanics to the brilliant level design to the presentation, it’s hard to find many flaws with Galaxy. Visually, the game looks phenomenal, and the 3D All-Stars port could’ve passed as a new Switch game. This is an essential replay.
Luckily, Super Mario Galaxy is relatively easy to acquire like Super Mario 64. As mentioned before, by picking up a Wii, players will have access to both Galaxy and Sunshine. However, playing the game on Wii U is just as feasible. In some respects, it’s even simpler than on Wii, as Galaxy is available on the Wii U eShop. However, it does require the Wii Remote. As such, the best way to play Galaxy largely depends on what consoles and accessories you have readily available.
Aside from Super Mario Sunshine, with the right hardware, players can easily find substitutes for the 3D All-Stars collection. No one should have to, though. Nintendo’s decision to remove this compilation is just another example of companies not caring about game preservation. With so many anniversaries for Nintendo to celebrate in 2021, hopefully this doesn’t become a trend.
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