TheSwitch 2will be releasing alongside upgraded versions of existing Switch games, which will have improved graphics and extra content. When it comes to which games should get this treatment, there’s oneMariogame that could really benefit from a specializedSwitch 2upgrade:Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
There are a number ofgames that will get a Switch 2 upgrade, most notably the two open-world Zeldagames that released for the Switch. While a number of Switch games will receive free updates when played on the Switch 2, a few titles will get this deluxe treatment—where players can either purchase an upgraded copy or pay to upgrade to an original Switch copy. ‘Deluxe’ is an apt term here, with a $10 price difference between original and upgraded versions of these Zelda games—which won’t even be receiving new content, as will be the case forSuper Mario PartyJamboreeandKirby and the Forgotten Land.
A Switch 2 Version Of Super Mario Bros. Wonder Would Be A Perfect Fit
Interestingly, theSwitch 2 edition ofMario Party Jamboreeis the only one of these first-party remasters confirmed for theMarioseries. However, it’s not necessarily a surprise that games likeMario Kart 8orSuper Mario Odysseyaren’t confirmed to be getting dedicated Switch 2 versions; their roles in the Switch 2 launch (or near-launch) are filled byMario Kart WorldandDonkey Kong Bananzarespectively.
However, of allthe games that deserve a Switch 2 version,Super Mario Bros. Wonderwould fit perfectly, and it’s surprising that nothing like it is in the launch slate already.Wonderlit the world ofMariogames on fire with its 2023 release, breathing new life into the long-dormant series of 2DMarioplatformers. With 2D platformer franchises likeSuper Mario Bros.andDonkey Kong Countrybeing at the heart of Nintendo’s continued success, it would be great to see one of the most innovativeMarioplatformers in recent years get a Switch 2 glow-up.
New Nintendo Consoles Don’t Go Long Without A 2D Mario Game
Securing a 2DMarioplatformer is a tradition for Nintendo consoles, so it’s odd to see such scarce mention of the plumber for theSwitch 2 launch lineup.New Super Mario Bros. Uwas a launch title for the Wii U, and the Switch secured an exclusive remaster of that game 2 years after launch (andWondera few years after that). While Nintendo consoles don’t always get a 2DMarioimmediately, or sometimes at all, they usually at least have a 3DMariotitle to tide things over. Though the Switch 2 will haveBananza, the general absence of mainlineMariotitles is still a tad puzzling.
It’s true that theNintendo Switch 2 will play existing Switch games, something that, alongside the smorgasbord of classicMariocontent on Switch Online, will likely satisfy fans of the plumber. On the other hand, it would be a waste for Nintendo not to leverage one of its most popular mainline series to boost the Switch 2 and get another big platformer game on shelves.
If Handled Right, A Mario Wonder Remaster Could Go Down Better Than Other Switch 2 Editions
The twoZeldaremasters haven’t been too warmly received by fans, though they’re certainly not getting the brunt of player ire. Though many look forward to visual shakeups, the paid upgrade combined with a lack of new content only adds to the sting of the Switch 2’s other price hikes. However, games likeJamboreeandForgotten Landwill be getting more content, and this DLC-adjacent perspective could be an excellent fit forWonder. An extra $10 for a healthy portion of new courses, in tandem with visual upgrades, would likely not be seen as stingy—and could in fact be welcomed.
