By Anirudh Jandhayala
The Switch is Nintendo’s most recent console and has received immense popularity for its usage of joycons, its portability, and its vast library of games. Recently, Nintendo has announced that they are bringing three revered Mario games to the Nintendo Switch: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. These games will be made accessible come September 18th, 2020 until March 31st, 2021 for approximately $60. I played all three of these games extensively in my childhood, and I would love to play them again not only for nostalgic purposes, but to see how compatible the joycons are for them. More importantly, these games, in their own right, revolutionized the gaming industry, and it would be awesome to appreciate them in a new light.
Super Mario 64
Up until the 90s, the video game industry was largely dominated by 2D platformers, with Nintendo leading the charge. With esteemed titles such as Super Mario Land, Donkey Kong, and a plethora of other games across a multitude of consoles, Nintendo saw no reason to expand into uncharted territories. However, in the video game industry, Nintendo is almost synonymous with innovation. On June 23rd, 1996, Nintendo released Super Mario 64, one of the first 3D platformers available on the market at the time. The game was an immediate success, as it sold over 12 million units worldwide and is still adored by all Nintendo fans for pioneering the 3D platforming scene.
Super Mario Sunshine
The Nintendo Gamecube is one of Nintendo’s more underrated consoles in recent years, but it has plenty of gems to satisfy anyone who owns it. Super Mario Sunshine is one such example and is well received by nearly everyone. Play as Mario with his trusty F.L.U.U.D—essentially a jetpack powered by water—and maneuver across the tropical Isle Delfino on a quest to find as many stars as you can. This platformer was unique in the sense that it allowed players new and fun ways to control Mario with the ability to explore every corner of the map thanks to F.L.U.D.D.
Super Mario Galaxy
Where do I begin with the Wii? The Wii revolutionized motion control, allowing people of all ages to get up out of their chair and swing their remote around like a baseball bat. Coupled with these motion control capabilities, Mario Galaxy made full usage of these features, creating a unique experience for all players. Join Mario as he explores different, unique galaxies across the universe with Luna, a lost star looking for her mother. I am personally so happy that this game is being ported to the Nintendo Switch, as it was one of my favorite games growing up. I do have my concerns with how this game will synchronize with the joycons, but I am sure the experience will still be as good as it was on the Wii.
Overall, I would say this package is worth every dollar. All three of these games are revolutionary in their own right, and I know for a fact that I will make sure to buy this package the day it comes out.