Why Super Mario Bros. Wonder Deserves a Switch 2 Upgrade

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The new Switch 2 is set to launch with enhanced editions of current Switch games, boasting better graphics and additional content. Among the games worthy of this overhaul, there’s a standout Mario title that would significantly profit from a tailored upgrade for the Switch 2: Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

A variety of games are set to receive an upgrade for the Switch 2, with the standout titles being the two open-world Zelda games that initially launched on the Switch. Many Switch games will get free updates when played on the Switch 2, but a select few will have a premium treatment: players can either buy an upgraded version of these games or pay to upgrade their original Switch copies. The term ‘deluxe’ is fitting here, as there’s a $10 price gap between the original and upgraded versions of these Zelda games; however, they won’t include any new content like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land will.

A Switch 2 Version Of Super Mario Bros. Wonder Would Be A Perfect Fit

It turns out that the second edition of Mario Party Jamboree for the Switch is the only one among these first-party remakes that’s been confirmed in the Mario series. This might not come as a shock since games like Mario Kart 8 and Super Mario Odyssey aren’t expected to have dedicated Switch 2 versions. Instead, their roles in the launch or near-launch of the Switch 2 are taken up by Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza respectively.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but feel that among all the potential games for a Switch 2 version, none could fit more perfectly than the enchanting “Super Mario Bros. Wonder”. It’s hard to believe that nothing similar is included in the initial release lineup, given the massive impact “Wonder” made when it was launched in 2023, rekindling the flame in the world of classic 2D Mario platformers.

With the timeless 2D platformer franchises like Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong Country being the backbone of Nintendo’s lasting success, it would be a dream come true to see one of the most inventive 2D Mario platformers in recent memory get an elegant upgrade for the Switch 2.

New Nintendo Consoles Don’t Go Long Without A 2D Mario Game

It’s unusual that there’s little talk about Mario, who traditionally graces Nintendo consoles with his 2D platformer games, in the lineup for the Switch 2 launch. Unlike its predecessor, the Wii U, which had New Super Mario Bros. U as a launch title, the Switch only got a remastered version of that game two years later (and Wonder a few years after that). While it’s not uncommon for Nintendo consoles to miss out on an immediate or even eventual 2D Mario game, they usually compensate with a 3D Mario title. However, the upcoming Switch 2 only has Bananza, leaving the absence of mainline Mario titles somewhat perplexing.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to support existing Switch games, which along with the abundant Mario content available through Switch Online, should delight fans of this iconic character. However, it would be a missed opportunity for Nintendo not to utilize one of their most successful primary series to propel the Switch 2 and introduce another popular platformer game to the market.

If Handled Right, A Mario Wonder Remaster Could Go Down Better Than Other Switch 2 Editions

The remastered versions of the two Zelda games have received mixed reactions from fans, but they’re not facing intense backlash. While fans are excited about the visual enhancements, the requirement to pay for an upgrade without any new content has added to the disappointment caused by the Switch 2’s other price increases. However, games like Jamboree and Forgotten Land will receive additional content, making a perspective similar to DLC a good fit for Wonder. Spending an extra $10 on new courses along with visual upgrades might not be seen as greedy—it could even be embraced.

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2025-04-10 13:34