NPD Analyst Thinks Limited-Time 3D Mario Games Will Be Sold Individually On Switch

Umm... I mean, is kinda obvious Nintendo will likely plan to sell the three 3D Mario games individually after the limited-time ends.

this whole practice is so sleezy, theres no reason for digital games to be limited time. they definitely only did it cause they knew how mediocre the actual package was, and are trying to sweeten the deal before they resell individual remakes

oh you think so?

Can they at least give me mario galaxy 2 as a free update?

I'll believe it when I see it. Put your money where your mouth is, Nintendo.

@boxyguy - Or maybe because, like almost everything else announced during the anniversary direct (3D World being probably the only exception), it was only ever intended to be a limited-time novelty made to celebrate Super Mario's 35th anniversary (hence why Super Mario 35 for example is going away at the same time).

@Xenobound94 - "On the other... where's that golden goose called Mother 3 western localization?"
To be fair, would it actually sell? I know the game's a meme now but how many would actually go round and buy a copy if it actually did come out?

On to the main topic, I wouldn't be surprised if this happened (or even if they threw Galaxy 2 in at the same time) but I'm not sure if it's as obvious as others say. Unless I missed something, the only thing that points in it's favour is that the work has already been done, and splitting them up would be pretty quick and painless (although I'd guess the soundtracks would probably be lost) but outside that, I don't see anything that says it's a definite.

I refuse to support what Nintendo did with 3D All Stars in the first place. Limited availability in general is a practice I detest for big releases like these, and the collection itself is really nothing special by the looks of it.

If they release these games individually I'm probably not even going to bother with 64.

Sell them individually and add Galaxy 2 so I can only buy the ones I like.

@FullMetalWesker The difference is Super Mario 35 is a smaller budget multiplayer game while 3D All Stars is being treated like any of Nintendo's other big 2020 releases like Xenoblade and Hyrule Warriors, so making it limited time, especially for how barebones the offerings in the collections actually are, is a scummy practice no matter how many ways you can try to justify it.

@TheFrenchiestFry - Except that by being limited, it was, by default, not a regular release. Anyone looking at the limited release should be able to ascertain that this isn't being treated as a regular game release, because if it was, then it wouldn't be limited. And the only reason it's limited in the first place, is the same reason why Super Mario 35 is being limited: because that's the Anniversary celebration window Nintendo set. And really, the only problem with this is that the titles in the collection are, currently, not available outside of it, so it looks more valuable than it would be had these titles been a part of a NSO or VC system.

@FullMetalWesker The point being if other third party companies aren't selling their collections or remasters in a limited quantity what makes Nintendo feel so inclined to enforce such practices. It's a sleazy way to drive artificial hype for a product that has way less effort or content put into it than collections much like it in nature.

I'm counting on this actually. I'll buy Mario Sunshine. Don't care to replay the other two.

It makes perfect sense: Buy the bundle for a small discount, or buy them individually for what will end up being more money for all three.

I wasn’t aware that 35 game was limited too, dang. I actually have no interest in that one though.

I personally think, with no evidence to support my claims or justifying argument, sunshine and galaxy will not be sold on the eshop individually.

@TheFrenchiestFry - The difference is purpose. Most remasters are designed to be on the market (relatively) permanently, because they don't have any purpose other than to bring the titles to modern systems. Even other Nintendo remasters (rare as they are) like Zelda: Wind Waker HD are like this.
This collection though, wasn't developed this way, (and you can probably tell by how the collection turned out that this wasn't being given a lot of resources); instead, it was developed as a quick novelty along the likes of the Game and Watch, Mario Kart Live, and Super Mario 35 as part of the Super Mario 35th Anniversary celebrations. As a result, it's priorities are different from your usual remaster or remake, with all the results that this difference entails (although to be fair, the pandemic probably had an impact on that).
Think of it this way: Outside of 3D All-stars, has there been any example of this type of practice demonstrated by Nintendo regarding a remaster(s)? Have any of the Wii U ports for example, been given limited time release windows? No, because there's no reason to. Unless you have a specific reason (like an anniversary in this case), there's no point in limiting a remaster's release over just having it available all the time.

tl;dr - This is most likely a one-time anniversary thing, and isn't likely to be repeated with other titles in the future (or at least, not outside of anniversaries).

I wanted this anyway, the chance to play it HD and take it wherever you go and it is a steal.

@FullMetalWesker Do not even try to compare Wind Waker HD to this.

Wind Waker HD is a proper remaster that adds substantial QoL improvements to an already great game

These are glorified ROM dumps you pay full price for just for the novelty of having games you can just as easily emulate on PC.

This being released on an anniversary is literally no excuse considering Mega Man Legacy Collection and X Legacy Collection came to Switch for that series' anniversary and none of those games are limited in availability. Neither are the Konami Anniversary Collections. There is no excuse. It's still a terrible practice that doesn't deserve to be encouraged because it proves that literally anyone will buy the laziest and most minimal effort things from Nintendo just as long as Mario's face is plastered on the front cover.

It's mad to think Switch will have FIVE 3D Mario games on it in February when 3D World comes out.

Roms blah blah blah but I've have far more fun with 3D All-Stars than Mario Odyssey (and I haven't even played Galaxy yet - which will be the first time I've ever played it) It really made me realise how lacking Odyssey is for me for so many reasons which I suspected anyway as I could never fully get into it. I wonder if that's part of the reason it was limited edition too... they don't want to take away from Odyssey and 3D World sales.

@TheFrenchiestFry - Did you even read what I wrote? I used The Wind Waker HD as an example that usually, remasters are intended for permanent release, because in most cases, there's nothing else attached to them. That was it.
Second, please don't over-exaggerate the supposed faults with 3D All-Stars. You may not like the release, but to call it anything less than a standard remaster ala the HD collections on PS3, is inaccurate (also, using PC emulation as an alternative is like saying "well, I could just steal a copy from the store, so why should I pay?" in terms of validity). If these were ports that didn't even upgrade the resolution, and/or failed to make adjustments when bringing the titles over to the Switch, you'd might have a leg to stand on here, but as the collection stands, it's nowhere near as bad as you claim it is (though to be honest, whether or not the collection is bad or good isn't really relevant to the main point of whether it should be limited or not).

Whether other devs choose to make their releases limited or not is up to them, but that doesn't mean Nintendo needs to follow suit (although I'd argue those compilations you mentioned, in addition to being older, were likely also intended to function as substitutes for new releases). If they want to release an anniversary compilation in a limited fashion, they're perfectly entitled to. Again, if the titles were available on a NSO or VC style system, would you really care if this collection was limited or not? I'd argue that's the real problem; the lack of retro offerings on Nintendo's latest system, not this random limited-time compilation. At best, this is a symptom of that larger problem, not the problem itself.
Finally, I'll reiterate that this is most likely not going to be a regular occurrence. If it were, there'd likely be more evidence of it, such as with the Wii U ports, or with previous remaster efforts.

@TheFrenchiestFry "These are glorified ROM dumps you pay full price for just for the novelty of having games you can just as easily emulate on PC"

Because everyone, including children, has a good enough PC with suitable controllers to play these games and wants to play them stuck at a desk or with a cable trailing across the house to their TV.

Unfortunately, when March comes around, it will be the last we see of these games FOREVER forever .......

(hee hee)

Analyst discovers water is wet

If Metroid Prime Trilogy has taught us something, they'll return about three years after the hype dies down as an exclusive GameStop "used" reprint.

@Northwind "but for me one of the primary reasons I enjoy Tetris 99 is watching my stats improve and chasing down tough-to-get badges to show off"

Yep and unlocking the themes! I've not played Mario 35 since coming 1st.

It seems quite possible, to me, that these three titles become available as part of the NSO subscription, along with a smattering of N64 and GCN titles. I expect to be proven wrong; but the announcements to date seem consistent with this scenario.

Game will go off sale and N64 player will launch for Switch Online, complete with Super Mario 64.

I’m at 116 Stars, have put 35 hours in to Super Mario 64 alone... I love this collection!

@Snatcher no
They will sell it next year probably

@Chibi_Manny Not really - there isn't anything concrete to suggest they will for sure. This is Nintendo - they will do what they do - not necessarily what everyone thinks is likely or obvious - or even sensible. I'd say there is a very real possibility of them never selling these games on Switch after that date.

Well if an analyst said it, it must be true. Also I said it the second it was announced as a time limited offer

In summary; 'person reckons thing'.

@Snatcher why would they do that? Nintendo are not a charity!

Galaxy 2 will eventually be released and will sell huge numbers.

It's what I think too. In april-may they should release the games in the eshop separately, along with Mario Galaxy 2. It would be stupid not to do it.

@Clyde_Radcliffe I envy you getting to play Galaxy for the first time... it truly is one the very greatest games ever made and nigh on perfect imo

I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't release these individually. It would negatively impact the 40th anniversary remaster which will include Galaxy 2. The bulk of revenue on this is probably with older Nintendo fans who've bought this now. If they need a revenue boost in a year or two then it can return for a final run, like the NES minis did.

Back in the 3DS days if you were an ambassador you got the GBA games which everyone thought would be released commercially in time, but never were. Nintendo might be looking at the looking term commercial opportunity rather than saturating things now.

I have lots of love for Nintendo, but these anniversary collections show their hubris. 😒 If this ends up being true, it wouldn’t be a big deal, if the collection was stuffed with extras. Same goes for timed releases.

Still haven't picked this up and don't really plan to. There are more fantastic games out there than I could ever hope to play. Easily got 10+ games on each platform I own that I've bought and haven't got to yet. Something like this needs to be one of my all-time favourites or a very special release to get my attention, and it's none of those things. It's a bit of a lazy port and I'm not that bothered what happens when it's "gone". Fully expect them to be released individually and then I might pick up Galaxy again, we'll see. But not going to lose any sleep over it.

@Donnerkebab Yea, it was more to show there is some precedent in Nintendo not doing what some think is an obvious move to generate revenue. They could easily have brought in those GBA games when the 3DS was flying a year or two later. I think they are trying to tread a line between milking, but then not killing opportunities down the road.

@TheFrenchiestFry To recap your comments, you don't have any interest in these, don't like these games anyway, think the only value is "Mario's face plastered on the cover" and refuse to buy them unless they become different games entirely, yet feel justified judging this to be crass and worthless — worthy of protest, even - and somehow the problem isn't your perspective...? I literally created an account to tell you to log off. The games are not the problem.

Would love to see a Zelda classic games series, I've been enjoying Mario 64 since getting these 3 this weekend.

Nintendo: we think these games have value. enjoy them again, if you like. simplicity is a virtue.

Nintendo Fans: Oh great these pieces of garbage again? Thanks for wasting my time making a thing I don't want, jerks!

I hate the internet

Great collection imo.

Hopefully Galaxy 2 will appear on eshop at the same time

It is frustrating and puzzling why Galaxy 2 is missing. Galaxy 1 and 2 should be bound together more than any other titles, so it's odd that Galaxy 2 will either be ala carte or just excluded altogether? And yet the Switch is so close to having all mainline Mario games available in portable HD.

It would be nice to have a collection of the GB/DS titles, like the Land 1 & 2 and the NSMB titles.

Selfishly, I don't care. Bought it on release day and love it. All that interests me is the suggestion that the success of this release will encourage Nintendo to release more legacy titles.

Thank you Sherlock

I wouldn't be surprised if these weren't available for purchase after the limited run. It's not the first time Nintendo has done this, for instance there was Zelda Four Swords on 3DS.

I'm skipping this collection, but if they sell Sunshine individually then I'd be tempted to get it.

I would still love to see all the New Super Mario Bros games released on Switch, either as a collection or individual downloads.

I don’t get the complaints about the quality of the release of 3D All Stars. You get three great 3D Mario games plus three full soundtracks for $60. That’s not bad. Plus you can play them in portable mode. One of these 3 games used for the original console is at least half of the price. And gamers have been hoping for a re-release of Mario Sunshine for years now and now that it’s here people still are not happy with the contents of the release. The complaints about the limited release is 100% justified however.

Like I've mentioned before, they'll do that or open an N64 and GameCube section on their eshop like the NES and SNES was.

All for the incredibly low low price of $39.99 each, plus tax

Are they going to charge £50 a pop for each individual release I wonder 🤔 I know how greedy Nintendo can be 😐

@Slowdive The same place other classic games do when released on a modern console. There for people who to play them to spend money on. I don't think it's any more complicated than that

Just my opinion, but I've pondered that Super Mario Galaxy 3 may be in development and Galaxy 2 will have a part to play in its promotion and release??

I already caved and pre-ordered my physical copy of 3D All-Stars thinking it would be hard to find once it came out so this makes very little difference to me personally. Smaller downloadable files for individual games would be nice though.

In other news experts have confirmed water is wet

Money and demands talk and Nintendo will change their tune after March 2021. The limited release was said so to entice people to quickly grab the collection instead of waiting. It works with Jump Challenge and their plug and play minis so it'll be the same with the collection. The physical version already sold millions already so it's not like the collection will totally be gone once Nintendo move on with their bs.

I understand why some people complain about the collection not being a full remake or having more in it, etc. But... It is exactly what it says it is.
Too bad it’s not what you wanted, I guess.
But I’m just thrilled to be playing Mario 64 again!
I didn’t want them to change anything, personally.

So anyways, there’s people like me out there too.

@prof_grunty If you created an account for the sole purpose of telling me to log off clearly your life is devoid of actual problems. Good day.

Just because I don't really care for a game in a collection doesn't mean I can't call out ***** practices that deserve to be called out. The fact that people are actively defending this in the comment thread just reinforces my point about blind loyalty to Nintendo products regardless of quality.

Limited availability is a practice that needs to stop regardless of company.

@Neckcrane
I hope you're right. It would be fantastic to get Galaxy 3.

I hope they do release them seperately, but Nintendo's done this quite a few times before, well before Jump Rope and the previous Mario All Star collections there was Zelda collectors edition, as well as FourSwords Anniversary and the 3DS ambassador titles.

Really hoping they are released seperatly and are the doorway to more GC/Wii titles though.

Its amazing how Nintendo gets so much defence for bullsh%t moves when anyone else would be crucified.

Just imagine this, EA announces the Mass Effect collection with all 3 games and DLC but the twist they're ports with barely any changes or improvements, will out only for a handful of months on disc and digital and then gone and it costs $60. Quite rightfully EA would be tore down, Nintendo though does the same and it causes minor uproar with those defending it being the majority.

I think it would be great to see these games sold individually on the eshop after the limited time sale of mario 3d all stars, and possibly more classic Nintendo games like mario galaxy 2 which wasn't included in the 3d all stars collection. It would make sense if this happened, and Nintendo would make Alot of money on these games, and possibly more classic games, but would Nintendo actually do it?

@TheFrenchiestFry You're worth the five minutes it took to sign up, mate... enough so to say you are pissing into the wind on this one. The games are great; appreciate them, or don't. But you are making a bunch of assumptions that aren't correct. The simplicity of the package to me is part of the appeal. In terms of game preservation, that's a much larger issue than timed exclusives, yes? There are better problems to have than to complain about a game you acknowledge not having any interest in to begin with. Your passion for it is being misdirected is my point. Write a letter to Nintendo with your complaints, maybe, rather than pissing in the cheerios of people who love these games and are happy to have them in an affordable portable HD package. Or call me a zombie for it, whichever gets you your jollies.

@Snatcher At this point, I'd be okay with Mario Galaxy 2 as a paid game.

Considering all the games are broken with sub standard control I don't see why anyone would buy them.

@TheFrenchiestFry @FullMetalWesker Doesn't matter is it was an anniversary thing or not. Selling it at full price for such a low effort launch, with a FOMO inducing time limit, (and during a global pandemic with resulting recession of all things) is scummy.

The other Mario stuff is OK because it's not £50. The limited time creates FOMO, that can directly be turned in to hype, which in turn can be monetised. And that sort of exploitation of behaviours is scummy.

Had they released this at something more reasonable, like £15. Something more in line with the effort put in, that would have been fine.

At best, this is an extremely tone-deaf and irresponsible launch that despite being as agregious as it is, has been successful and may give companies like EA, Acti, and 2k (who still continue to push what is acceptable) bad ideas.

@korosanbo How any fan of Nintendo can dislike 64, with missions like "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" is beyond me...

So basically, limited time and stock stuff is pretty much bs? Got it, Nintendo.

The only reason I didn't pick it up was the inclusion of the other 2 mario games. However If they charge 70 bucks for Mario 64... they can keep it.

@korosanbo I am not being sarcastic. I'm happy you appreciate it, but if you watch a video of the mission/star I mentioned in full (without edits) and dislike what you see, then it is beyond me. Also pair that with how not every gamer is a expert like you see in the walkthrough videos of the mission also. It's truly a gaming masterpiece.

@boxyguy Are sales therefore sleazy? This is just a "buy all 3 and get a discount," if the analyst is accurate.

@Dr_Awkward nah i dont blame anyone for buying it, nintendo has starved us of releases of these games that its very tempting for anyone to buy, especially within the deadline. "discount" is debatable, many argue this compilation and its contents shouldnt add up to a $60 price, especially with other compilations being more packed and cheaper. mario being a "premium" franchise shouldnt be an excuse, and i certainly wont excuse this being a limited release just to tempt more people to buy it