March 31, 2021, is the day that Mario will die. Well, at least according to various folks around the web. In reality, Mario is still going to be with us - albeit with a reduced catalogue.
Last year marked the 35th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros. In celebration, Nintendo released a swathe of celebratory merchandise and games. Strangely, these products came with an expiry date. The items would be discontinued or become unavailable from March 31, 2021. That date is upon us, and Nintendo is sticking to it.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars will be removed from the Nintendo eShop on March 31 and physical editions will cease production (via IGN) - those who have downloaded All-Stars digitally will still be able to access the game. The retro-inspired Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros will no longer ship to retailers from the date (via Eurogamer). Worst of all, Super Mario Bros. 35 will be unplayable post-March 31.
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The removal of these products has been a point of contention ever since the initial announcement. Whatever the reason behind the choice, it’s a real shame for fans - but there’s still time while stocks last. We can’t recommend that anyone jumps for Super Mario Bros. 35 because it’s going to be unplayable after March 31. However, the physical editions of Super Mario 3D All-Stars and the nostalgic Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros handheld console are more than worthy of being picked up. Not only is it necessary for video game preservation, but they are darn good.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars brings three of the best Mario games to one game card, with Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy each finding the Switch a more-than-comfortable home. The Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros is an excellent little throwback that’s as cute as it is addictive. Inspired by the original 1980 release, this anniversary edition includes: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, a Mario version of Ball and the much-beloved digital clock.
Check out the links below to grab yourself some top-tier Mario games before they are lost to the sands of time and over-priced eBay auctions.
Will still be available for download after March 31 with a download code.
