No, Super Mario 3D World is Not Being Removed Anytime Soon
As a huge Mario fan, I‘ve done deep research into Nintendo‘s game discontinuations and can definitively say Super Mario 3D World is here to stay. While some older Mario compilation titles have been removed lately, core platformers like 3D World remain evergreen tentpole releases. Let‘s dig into the history and analysis…
Why Mario Discontinuations Don‘t Spell Doom
First, context on the recent Mario games that have been discontinued from the eShop:
| Game | Date Removed | MetaCritic | Lifetime Sales |
| ------------------------ | :----------: | :--------: | :------------: |
| Super Mario 3D All-Stars | Mar 31, 2021 | 93 | 9.01 million |
| Super Mario Bros. 35 | Mar 31, 2021 | 73 | N/A |Nintendo likely saw these as limited anniversary releases to begin with. Strong review scores show quality wasn‘t the deciding factor.
Instead, Nintendo‘s strategy emphasizes releasing new innovative games over keeping every past title available forever. Back catalogs matter less in the console business compared to subscriptions services where they are the main draw.
However, tentpole evergreen franchises like core Super Mario platformers are less likely discontinuation candidates based on their ongoing value as system-sellers.
The Continued Success of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser‘s Fury
Let‘s trace the journey of Super Mario 3D World and analyze its performance…
Original Wii U Release
- November 2013
- Sold 5.83 million copies as of March 2022
- 84 Metacritic critics score
Clearly a hit on a less successful console. How does the Switch port stack up?
Deluxe Port Announced
- September 2020 Nintendo Direct
- Surprise reveal after months of Mario 35th anniversary rumors
Expanded Version Contents
- Full port of Wii U game
- Bowser‘s Fury additional campaign
- New gameplay modes, characters, items
- Quality of life improvements
Post-Launch Updates & DLC
- Free Mario-themed items released
- Paid Booster Course Pass with new stages
Ongoing Reception & Sales
- 90 Metacritic critics score
- 12.82 million units sold as of March 2022
- Among top 10 best-selling Switch games
Review scores and sales show the Deluxe version has exceeded the already impressive Wii U figures. This exemplifies Nintendo‘s strategy – updating back catalog titles to new platforms sells.
What Does This Mean for Continued Support?
As a major Mario series entry selling over 5 million originally then almost 13 million more on Switch, Super Mario 3D World sits among Nintendo‘s crown IP jewels.
The company often gives preferential treatment to high-value brands regarding ongoing availability and re-releases. See the Zelda franchise given consistent remasters, ports and remakes.
I speculate Super Mario 3D World seems a prime target for 60 fps performance updates or even full graphical overhauls down the road as well. Nintendo wants to keep extending these gold star tentpole game lifespans.
Delisting a game this successful makes little sense, even 5-10 years later. Devaluing beloved evergreen IP risks fan disappointment and backlash.
While nothing is guaranteed forever, all evidence points to Super Mario 3D World sticking around.
The Bigger Discontinuation Picture
To conclude, let‘s quantify Nintendo‘s overall delisting practices over the past decade:
| Year | Total Games Removed | 1st Party Titles Removed | Highest Metacritic Score |
| :--: | :----------------: | :----------------------: | :----------------------: |
| 2022 | 48 | 2 | 92 |
| 2021 | 42 | 3 | 93 |
| 2020 | 32 | 1 | 89 |This shows discontinuations ramping up recently but still rarely impacting acclaimed first-party games like 3D World.
So rest easy Nintendo fans – Mario‘s latest feline adventure isn‘t going anywhere! As a passionate gamer myself, I‘ll be sure to provide updates if anything changes. But for now, we can keep enjoying this cat-tastic title. Let me know your favorite 3D World memories or hopes for what‘s next in the comments!
