Gone But Not Forgotten: Mario Games That Are No Longer Sold
So, you’re wondering which Mario games have vanished from store shelves and digital marketplaces? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as simple as a single title. Several Super Mario games have been discontinued over the years, primarily due to limited-time releases or specific anniversary celebrations. The most notable example is Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a compilation of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. This collection, along with the standalone Super Mario Bros. 35, was deliberately removed from sale both physically and digitally on March 31, 2021, as part of Nintendo’s strategy to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros. franchise in a unique and time-limited way.
The Rationale Behind Discontinuation
Why would Nintendo, a company known for its evergreen titles that continue to sell for years, remove some of its most iconic games from sale? The reasoning, according to Nintendo of America’s President Doug Bowser, was that these 35th-anniversary products were intended to be unique celebrations. The limited availability created a sense of urgency and exclusivity, arguably boosting sales and generating considerable buzz around the anniversary. While some fans were disappointed by the decision, Nintendo considered the concept a success, pointing to the impressive sales figures of Super Mario 3D All-Stars. This strategy contrasts sharply with the company’s usual approach of keeping its popular games readily available.
Games Impacted by Discontinuation
Let’s break down the specific titles that are no longer available for purchase directly from Nintendo:
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
This compilation included:
- Super Mario 64: The groundbreaking 3D platformer that revolutionized gaming.
- Super Mario Sunshine: A unique and challenging entry known for its FLUDD mechanic.
- Super Mario Galaxy: A critically acclaimed title praised for its innovative gravity-defying gameplay.
These classic games, while still playable for those who purchased them before the deadline, are no longer sold digitally on the Nintendo eShop or physically in retail stores.
Super Mario Bros. 35
This online multiplayer game, available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, pitted 35 players against each other in a frantic race to be the last Mario standing. The game, while innovative and enjoyable, was also discontinued on March 31, 2021, and is no longer playable.
Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.
While not technically a game itself, this retro handheld device, pre-loaded with Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, was also a limited-time release tied to the 35th anniversary. It’s no longer available for purchase from Nintendo.
Discontinued Services
Beyond specific games, some online services related to Mario titles have also been discontinued. For example, functionalities for older Wii and DS games that utilized Nintendo’s Wi-Fi Connection have been shut down, affecting online multiplayer and other features.
The Resale Market and Remaining Options
While these Mario games are no longer sold by Nintendo, they are still available on the secondary market. Physical copies of Super Mario 3D All-Stars can be found on sites like eBay and Amazon, although prices may be inflated due to their rarity. Used copies of the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. are also available, albeit at a premium. However, Super Mario Bros. 35 is completely unplayable unless you played it before the cut-off date. Remember to always exercise caution when buying from third-party sellers.
Understanding the Nintendo Strategy
Nintendo’s decision to discontinue these Mario games highlights a complex interplay of marketing strategies. By creating scarcity, Nintendo arguably boosts demand and reinforces the perception of its intellectual property as valuable and desirable. It’s a strategy that has drawn both praise and criticism from the gaming community, but it undeniably generates attention and conversation. This strategy is something to consider when thinking about the educational implications of gaming, as discussed by the Games Learning Society, which explores how games can impact learning and culture. For more information, visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
FAQs: Your Burning Mario Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the discontinued Mario games and other Mario-related topics:
1. What is the rarest Mario game?
While subjective, the rarest North American Mario game is often cited as the Wii U Limited Edition of Mario Kart 8. It was only available at Nintendo New York, making it incredibly difficult to obtain.
2. Why was Super Mario 3D All-Stars discontinued?
Nintendo stated that the discontinuation was due to the 35th-anniversary celebration being a limited-time event intended to be unique.
3. Will Super Mario 3D All-Stars ever come back?
There is currently no official word from Nintendo about re-releasing Super Mario 3D All-Stars. However, given the popularity of the included games, a future re-release isn’t entirely out of the question.
4. Is there a new Mario game coming in 2024?
Rumors suggest that a new 3D Super Mario game is planned for release in 2024, potentially as a launch title for the rumored Nintendo Switch 2.
5. What is the next Mario game in 2023?
The next major Mario game release in 2023 was Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a return to the 2D side-scrolling action of the classic games.
6. What Super Mario games are coming out in 2025?
While unconfirmed, some speculate that a new entry in the New Super Mario Bros. series, potentially titled “New Super Mario Bros. Extreme,” could be released in 2025 to celebrate Mario’s 40th Anniversary.
7. What is the best-selling Mario game?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Mario game of all time, with over 55 million copies sold.
8. Why did Nintendo discontinue Super Mario Bros. 35?
Like Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Super Mario Bros. 35 was a limited-time offering tied to the 35th-anniversary celebration.
9. Is Mario dying?
No, Mario is not dying. The discontinuation of certain games was a strategic decision by Nintendo, not an indication of the character’s demise.
10. When will Nintendo lose the rights to Mario?
Copyright for Super Mario Bros. is scheduled to expire in January 2082, assuming no further copyright extensions are enacted.
11. What is the hardest Mario game?
Many consider Super Mario Sunshine to be the most challenging 3D Super Mario game, while some argue that certain 2D Mario games offer even greater difficulty.
12. How much is the original Mario game worth?
An unopened copy of the original Super Mario Bros. sold for a staggering $2 million, highlighting its historical significance and collectibility.
13. Which Mario game has the best story?
Super Paper Mario and Super Mario Galaxy are often cited as having the best stories among Mario games.
14. What is the second most popular Mario game?
Super Mario Bros. is the second best selling Mario game.
15. Will there ever be more Mario & Luigi games?
The future of the Mario & Luigi RPG series is uncertain due to the bankruptcy of its developer, AlphaDream.