The launch line-up for the Nintendo Switch 2 would be incomplete without a new 3D Mario title, with many fans eager to see a Super Mario Odyssey 2, a Super Mario Galaxy 3, or a brand-new Mario adventure. While Nintendo has the lion’s share of possibilities to pull from with a new Mario for the Switch 2’s launch, there’s one highly-requested sequel that would be perfectly timed if it released alongside Nintendo’s new console. As Mario hits a major milestone in 2025, a Super Mario 3D All-Stars 2 could be a great way to celebrate the franchise on the new hardware.
Although the Switch 2’s release titles are still largely shrouded in mystery, it’s possible that the console will launch with a new mainline Mario game in addition to the new Mario Kart that was teased in the reveal trailer. Nintendo’s home consoles have all launched with either a Mario or Zelda game, and the Switch 2 seems on track to follow that trend. After the Switch launched with Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the Switch 2 will likely see a new 3D Mario game, and there’s no better option than a second Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection.
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A Super Mario 3D All-Stars 2 Would Be Perfect For the Switch 2’s Launch
Games that Could Be Featured in a Second 3D All-Stars Collection
- Super Mario 64 DS
- Super Mario Galaxy 2
- Super Mario 3D Land
When it comes to discussions of which games should be included in a second Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, the titles most often thrown around are Super Mario 64 DS, Super Mario Galaxy 2, and Super Mario 3D Land. The original collection featured Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy, so it may seem redundant to include Super Mario 64 DS in a sequel collection. However, there are enough changes to the DS version of the game, such as playable Yoshi, Luigi, and Wario, to warrant an HD release in a bundle like this.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 was the biggest omission from the original Super Mario 3D All-Stars bundle, so its inclusion in a sequel collection would likely be a major draw. Super Mario 3D Land deserves a re-release more than Super Mario 3D World since the latter received a Switch port, making it playable on the Switch 2 via backward compatibility. While the main 3D gimmick of Land might not be possible on the Switch 2, having the game playable on a platform other than the Nintendo 3DS would still be great to see, especially with the 3DS eShop no longer active.
Mario’s 40th Anniversary and the Switch 2’s Launch Create the Ideal Conditions for a Super Mario 3D All-Stars 2
The original Super Mario 3D All-Stars was a limited release back in 2020 as a way to celebrate the Mario franchise’s 35th anniversary. Five years later, the plumber is now celebrating his 40th anniversary in 2025, which makes it all the more likely that Nintendo will want to embrace this milestone with a major release. Although there are many avenues Nintendo could pursue to appropriately celebrate such a momentous occasion for its flagship franchise, releasing another 3D All-Stars collection would be the icing on the cake for many Mario fans.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars was only available for purchase between September 18, 2020 and March 31, 2021.
Rather than treat a second collection as a limited release like the original, Nintendo could take the opportunity the Switch 2’s launch creates to celebrate in style with the release of a permanently available Super Mario 3D All-Stars 2 for the new console. The company could even go a step further and reprint the first collection as well, giving fans who missed out on snagging the collection the first go around another chance. While there’s no doubt that Nintendo has big plans in store for Mario‘s 40th Anniversary, it would be great to see it and the Switch 2’s launch coalesce in a big way.
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