Why Did Nintendo Remove Super Mario 3D All Stars?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

According to an official statement from Nintendo, Super Mario 3D All Stars was released for a limited time in honor of Mario‘s 35th anniversary in 2020. The collection of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy was only available physically and digitally through March 31, 2021.

Nintendo‘s Rationale

Nintendo intended Super Mario 3D All Stars as a special 35th anniversary commemoration for the legendary mascot. By making it limited-edition, they hoped to drive interest and urgency among fans to purchase the collection.

As Nintendo Life reported, the initial plan was also to include Super Mario Galaxy 2, but development challenges from the pandemic prevented its completion in time for release.

Fan Reactions

Many fans have expressed disappointment and frustration over the discontinuation. These classic 3D Mario titles are beloved yet inaccessible on modern consoles. Removing easy availability contradicts Nintendo‘s stated commitment to game preservation.

However, others understand the move as a way to make the 35th anniversary special. As user GameZone on Reddit posted:

"It‘s a cool gift for fans and drives up hype. I get why people are annoyed but it just seems like such a weird thing to get super angry about?"

Preservation Complications

Without continued sales or subscription access, these Mario classics can now only be acquired secondhand at inflated prices. Games preservation experts have decried the anti-consumer move, especially as digital purchases will be lost if servers shut down in future. Nintendo risks angering fans who expect long-term access, not artificial scarcity.

History of Limited Releases

Nintendo has frequently created "urgency" around products with limited releases, often tied to anniversaries:

  • NES/SNES Classic mini consoles
  • Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.
  • Multiple Amiibo figures

So Mario compilations have a history as anniversary exclusives. However Nintendo has been reissuing "limited" Amiibo due to fan demand.

Potential Future Re-Release?

Given the hype and clear fan desire, it’s very possible Nintendo will reissue these games eventually – perhaps for a 10 year or 40 year milestone. There are rumors of additional Galaxy 2 content or a complete series bundle. Either way, short-term discontinuation likely spells higher long-term profits.

In summary, Nintendo leveraged nostalgia and scarcity to drive Mario 3D All Stars sales, inconveniencing many fans in the process. However market dynamics and anniversaries have long fueled re-releases down the road. Here‘s hoping more gaming classics become readily available again soon!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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