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| (Image Source: EuroGamer/Nintendo of America) |
You have a compilation of some of the most critically acclaimed games of all time and a new battle royale game where you have to play against 35 of your rivals online in a Super Mario Bros. frenzy and be the last man standing. Then there is a Mario Kart game where you can fulfill the dream of having a Mario Kart course inside your own home and even the 1993 SNES compilation Super Mario All-Stars available to indulge for those having a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Although the only downside is that you only have limited time to avail any of these, these are a celebration of the 2D and 3D eras that make Super Mario Bros. a world-renouned household name. With these in mind, here are my takeaways of what was announced in the special Nintendo Direct presentation.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars (Release Date: September 18, 2020-March 2021, Now Available For Pre-Order)
No longer a rumor in the eyes of several gaming critics, Super Mario 3D All-Stars allows new and old Mario fans and gamers to enjoy the best of Mario's exciting open-world 3D platforming adventures including Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64, 1996), Super Mario Sunshine (Nintendo GameCube, 2002), and Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo Wii, 2007). They may not be full-pledged remakes, but each game has their own enhancements and new features. Super Mario 64 has a higher resolution, rumble-enabled controls on Switch's JoyCon controller, and the ability to browse the soundtrack and play your favorite songs. On the other hand, Super Mario Sunshine has all the new enhancements and features of SM64 plus 16:9 aspect ratio while Super Mario Galaxy sports a resolution bump. If you're disappointed that Super Mario Galaxy 2 is not part of the compilation, you shouldn't be as it will be out sometime in the foreseeable future so cross your fingers on that possibility.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (Release Date: February 12, 2021, Now Available For Pre-Order)
Super Mario 3D World is the newest addition to the list of games released for Nintendo's modern black sheep next-generation hybrid gaming system, the Wii U, that are making the switch, literally, to the Nintendo Switch. The updated version will feature additional content including online cooperative multiplayer as well as Cat Mario and Cat Peach Amiibo figures that comes to you alongside with its release.
Super Mario Bros. 35 (Release Date: October 1, 2020-March 31, 2021, Nintendo Switch Online Subscription Required)
If Nintendo turned one of its highest-selling classic games Tetris into a battle royale through Tetris 99, then why not have Super Mario Bros. as well? Play Super Mario Bros. against 35 online opponents in a unique split-screen extravaganza and battle to become the last Mario standing. As you defeat your enemies along the way, you can get extra time and even get to attack other players using your earned powerups. It will take skill, prowess and fast-paced mind-boggling reflexes to conquer a different kind of battle royale game plus a dash of nostalgic flavor since it is just Super Mario Bros. of all.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (Release Date: October 16, 2020, US$100)
It may be the strangest but most intriguing news I have ever seen from the Nintendo Direct presentation as it allows gamers to use their Nintendo Switch units to race physical carts with custom and literally home-made or DIY (do it yourself) courses. Available in Mario and Luigi sets, you can play through a Grand Prix and unlock new costumes as you race against three other players. Players who are joining you locally will require to have their own vehicles to compete. It's creativity and cookiness combined all for the fulfillment of having a real-life virtual race inside your own home.
Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. (Release Date: November 13, 2020, US$50)
Nintendo's predecessor to the infamously phenomenal Game Boy line is back with a limited special edition Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. where you can play the original NES classic as well as The Lost Levels in full color. It also includes the classic Game & Watch Ball game, functions as a digital clock and includes several hidden secrets that you discover and experience for up to eight hours between charges. Yes, you read it right. This G&W is rechargeable for your nostalgic pleasure.
Aside from the best and strangest announcements, the Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Direct presentation also has additional news and details on merchandise, figures and events coming to other Nintendo Switch games as part of the celebration and you can watch all of it right here below. Happy 35th anniversary, Super Mario Brothers!!
