'Super Mario 3D World' (Image courtesy of Nintendo)
Nintendo is standing by their still-unexplained choice to remove all games and content relating to the 35th anniversary of Super Mario on March 31.
The full list of games and merchandise going dark on the 31st is Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Super Mario Bros. 35, Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros., and the Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary clothing and merchandise collection online. Less publicized, but also going on the 31st is the Famicon re-release of the original Fire Emblem game, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & The Blade of Light on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
No one is certain why Nintendo is clearing the massively popular products from shelves and online marketplaces, but theories are everywhere. Many believe the games in Super Mario 3D All-Stars (Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario 64) are due to be re-released in a form similar to Nintendo’s NES and SNES collection apps for Nintendo Online subscribers.
More cynical fans believe Nintendo is cutting the cord simply to spur up and incentivize buying. If so, the strategy has worked in their favor as Super Mario 3D All-Stars has been one of the consistent top-sellers for the Nintendo Switch since its September 2020 release.
No matter the reason, Nintendo is dead set on killing Super Mario 3D All-Stars and all other 35th anniversary content next week. If you still haven’t picked up All-Stars, run to your local game store or kick on your Nintendo eShop before it’s too late.
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