In 2020, Nintendo brought three 3D Super Mario games to the Switch in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. This collection was a fantastic way to commemorate the iconic franchise and showcase its progress. Although it was great to see Nintendo release this, it was only available for a limited time starting from March 2021. It would be ideal if another collection replaces it soon.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars was a perfect tribute for Mario's 35th anniversary, but it did exclude some beloved 3D Super Mario titles. Every Super Mario game deserves to be enjoyed on the Switch, especially considering that the entire Pikmin series is available. Therefore, it is important to release a second Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection before the Switch's lifespan ends.
Other 3D Mario Games Deserve to Shine
Super Mario 3D All-Stars combined three of Mario's most iconic games into one impressive bundle. Players could relive the classic adventure of Super Mario 64, revisit the nostalgic days of the GameCube with Super Mario Sunshine, and embark on an exhilarating journey with Super Mario Galaxy. Each title received a slight HD upgrade and performed exceptionally well on modern hardware. Despite some flaws, this package provided a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in these influential platformers.
However, it is worth mentioning that Nintendo overlooked a couple of other significant 3D Super Mario titles. Super Mario 3D Land, a handheld exclusive, Super Mario 3D World for the Wii U, and the highly acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy 2 were unfortunately excluded from the collection. While Super Mario 3D World did receive its standalone re-release, the other two games have been neglected. Although they may not have the same level of iconic status as the ones included in the bundle, they still deserve to be remastered in HD.
There are currently no rumors indicating the release of a second Super Mario 3D All-Stars game, but Nintendo has a great opportunity to create an amazing package. Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Super Mario 3D Land would be fantastic additions to the Switch, and it would be fun to include another 3D game as well. Options for this third game could include Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario 3D World, or even Super Mario Odyssey. With so many possibilities, any choice would significantly enhance the appeal of this second collection.
A second Super Mario 3D All-Stars game would not only give fans a chance to explore these other 3D Mario games, but it could also address one of Nintendo's biggest mistakes with the first package. The first collection was only available for a limited time and is no longer purchasable, which seems unfair to fans and may have hindered the overall success of the collection. To rectify this, a second Super Mario 3D All-Stars game should not follow the timed exclusive model and could even include games from the previous release, ensuring that Switch players have a permanent way to access them.
Super Mario's 35th anniversary has come to an end, but Nintendo should continue honoring their iconic character. As the Switch era comes to a close, a potential second installment of Super Mario 3D All-Stars could serve as a fitting finale for the console or even a remarkable launch title for Nintendo's forthcoming endeavors. Placing Mario at the forefront has consistently proven to be a winning formula, and creating a second collection to pay homage to the franchise's history is the optimal approach.