A game rarely becomes more talked about years after its release, but Super Mario 3D All-Stars has never been your average cartridge. Launched in limited quantities in September 2020 to mark Mario’s 35th anniversary, it quickly became a collector’s gem. Now, nearly five years on, it’s making headlines again—not for its rarity, but for a crucial update that finally brings it in line with the Nintendo Switch 2.
A Nostalgic Treasure with a Hefty Price Tag
Bundling three of the plumber’s most iconic adventures (Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy) onto one cartridge, Super Mario 3D All-Stars was only available for a short time. It was near-impossible to find in shops just weeks after launch and has since become one of the few Nintendo titles to soar in resale value genuinely.
On second-hand markets, prices rarely dip below €80, with sealed copies regularly listed for €100 to €200. It’s one of the few Switch games that collectors actively seek out as an investment. On Amazon, listings can reach absurd highs, further fuelling the game’s almost mythical status among fans and resellers alike.
Trouble on the Switch 2
Despite its prestige, the game faced a significant hiccup: poor compatibility with the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2. Players reported bugs, crashes, and an overall sub-par experience—quite the letdown for what’s arguably the crown jewel in many collections.
Nintendo had previously attempted to patch things just before the Switch 2’s release, but issues persisted. The result was a game that, while technically playable, didn’t meet expectations on the newer hardware. For a title that represents the very best of Mario’s 3D legacy, this was far from ideal.
The Long-Awaited Fix
That changed on 14 July 2025, when Nintendo quietly rolled out update 1.1.3 for Super Mario 3D All-Stars. The patch, now mandatory for Switch 2 users, promises improved stability and fixes to various gameplay issues. It’s a rare move from Nintendo, which has largely moved on from this title, but a necessary one.
Before this latest update, the game hadn’t seen a patch since November 2021. The silence only heightened frustration among fans who felt let down by its performance on the new console. Thankfully, Nintendo’s new fix appears to be a proper solution, restoring the game’s playability and preserving its nostalgic charm.
A Welcome Boost for a Legendary Compilation
Super Mario 3D All-Stars remains an oddity: a modern collector’s item still caught in the software quirks of yesteryear. With this update, Nintendo has at last brought it back up to standard, at least technically. Whether or not prices will climb further as a result remains to be seen, but one thing’s sure: those who paid a premium can finally enjoy their investment as intended. No crashes, no glitches—just Mario, as iconic as ever.
