One of the most rumored titles for release in 2020 was theSuper Mario 3D All-Starscollection, which was announced and released in September 2020. The collection, which includes emulated ports ofSuper Mario 64,Super Mario Sunshine, andSuper Mario Galaxyfor Nintendo Switch, has seen much criticism since its announcementfor not including 2010’sSuper Mario Galaxy 2and Nintendo’s strange announcement that it will delist the title from digital and physical storefronts on March 31st 2021. According to an industry analyst, this is so the company can sell the titles individually in the future.
Speaking to GameDaily.biz, NPD’s Mat Piscatella observed Nintendo’s rollout of the collection, claiming “I don’t think these games will disappear, like what would happen with the old school Disney Vault. But I think there may be additional flexibility and buying options. For example, à la carte purchasing options on eShop." He continued “The sales ofSuper Mario 3D All-Starsshould provide additional confidence in bringing other legacy titles to the new platforms, to say the least. But again, it’s Nintendo, so I expect to be surprised.”
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While this is not any sort of confirmation of what to expect with theSuper Mario 3D All-Starscollection’s availability following its delisting on March 31st 2021, many have also speculated that Nintendo is planning to sell the trilogy of titles individually on the Nintendo eShop in the future, in the same way other companies have with other HD collections. For example, Sony allows PlayStation Network users to buy each of theUnchartedremasters individually on the PlayStation Storewithout having to purchaseUncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection. The major difference here is that Sony did not suspend sales ofUncharted: The Nathan Drake Collectionbefore making these titles available individually.
The major concern with Nintendo sellingSuper Mario 64,Super Mario Sunshine, andSuper Mario Galaxyindividually for Nintendo Switch is what price point the titles will be released at. The removal of a $60 collection of the three could imply that Nintendo is planning on selling them for more than $20 each. While this wouldn’t be uncharacteristic of Nintendo, which is usually known for selling its remasters and re-releases at full retail prices, such as the upcomingPikmin 3 DeluxeandSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, which are enhanced ports of 2013 Wii U titles.
As Piscatella notes however,Super Mario 3D All-Starshas very quickly become one of the fastest-selling games of 2020, which will likely prompt Nintendo to release more classic titles in collections for Nintendo Switch. Two franchises celebrating their 30th anniversaries next year areThe Legend of ZeldaandMetroid, meaning we could finally see the release of the much rumoredThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HDandMetroid Prime Trilogyremasters. Nintendo could also giveZeldathe 3D All-Stars treatment by making a collection compilingOcarina of Time,Majora’s Mask,The Wind Waker, andTwilight Princessto go alongsideSkyward Sword HDand the impending release ofThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2.
