Why is Mario All Stars so Expensive?

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is an extremely expensive and valuable game compilation due to its intentional limited availability from Nintendo combined with incredible ongoing demand from Mario fans eager to own these classic 3D platformers in one definitive package for the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Purposely Limited Supply

Nintendo only produced around 5 million physical copies of Super Mario 3D All-Stars according to unofficial estimates, and made the digital version available exclusively on the eShop for just 6 months. This scarcity due to the timed nature of the release has led to heightened demand.

Unlike most Mario games and compilations which remain widely available, Super Mario 3D All-Stars was clearly produced in limited quantities as a celebration of Mario‘s 35th anniversary.

Massive Popularity of Mario Franchise

The Mario franchise remains one of the most popular and beloved video game franchises of all time. As an iconic hallmark of Nintendo, Mario games consistently rank among the best-selling games on any Nintendo platform.

• Over 660+ million Mario games have been sold worldwide as of 2021, according to official sales figures from Nintendo.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe alone has sold over 52 million copies on the Switch as of 2022, making it the console‘s best-selling game.
• On the Switch, the Mario franchise has sold over 180 million games total.

With such colossal popularity spanning decades, any limited Mario item like 3D All-Stars understandably commands a high resale value. Fans and collectors covet rare Mario items.

Bundles 3 Hit 3D Mario Games

Unlike past Mario compilations which contained older titles, 3D All-Stars bundles together 3 critically acclaimed 3D platformers often ranked among the best Mario games:

• Super Mario 64 – Considered one of the greatest and most revolutionary games of all time, launched in 1996 for N64. Typically appears #1 ranked Mario game. Introduced 3D platforming and open level design to the franchise.
• Super Mario Sunshine – The underrated and overlooked GameCube title from 2002. First time it has been re-released or remastered. Offers a refreshing tropical setting.
• Super Mario Galaxy – The brilliant Wii title from 2007 rated 97/100 on Metacritic. Its gravity-defying galaxies are surreal and enchanting. Sequel is also acclaimed.

This compilation offers a definitive collection of Mario‘s 3D adventures, all optimized for Switch with updated HD graphics. It‘s especially valuable given the inclusion of the rare Sunshine title.

Widely Praised by Critics and Fans

3D All-Stars has received glowing reviews lauding it as a must-own compilation:

• It earned a 83 critics score on Metacritic based on 98 reviews.
• Common Sense Media gave it a 5/5 star rating.
• Fans on Reddit often call it the "best Switch game" and a "dream collection."
• It holds a 4.8/5 user score on Metacritic from over 4500 ratings.
• 93% of Google users gave it 4 or 5 stars.

This acclaim demonstrates that 3D All-Stars delivers an amazing handheld experience for these Mario classics. Positive word of mouth further bolsters demand.

Strong Nostalgia Factor

For longtime Nintendo fans who grew up playing Mario games, there is immense nostalgia in revisiting Super Mario 64 or Sunshine. 3D All-Stars effectively taps into this nostalgia by reviving these classic 3D platformers on Switch.

Polls show these retro Mario games remain widely loved:

The ability to replay childhood favorites like Mario 64 on the go via Switch is highly appealing, driving up hype and prices.

Lucrative Reselling Market

Limited edition Mario games hold their value incredibly well long-term, especially if sealed. For example, an original sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. recently sold for $660,000 in an auction. Knowing this, resellers buy up limited Mario stock like 3D All-Stars upon release to resell at higher prices later.

On eBay, 3D All-Stars normally goes for $80 to $140 USD for an opened copy, and over $300 sealed. The limited supply and incredible demand allows resellers to charge these premium prices. Auction sales regularly exceed $500 as well.

So in summary, the intentionally limited production, enduring Mario popularity, compilation of 3D hits, glowing reviews, nostalgia, and profitable resale market have all contributed to the incredibly high valuation of Super Mario 3D All-Stars cartridges and downloads. For Mario fans, owning this definitive collection on the Switch remains an absolute must despite the lofty prices.