Super Mario on 3DS, dissecting the details


So we have all seen the screenshots and the teaser logo for the very first 3DS Mario title, but in typical Nintendo style they kept all of the juicy info about the game to themselves. Well, only one thing to do in a time like this. Time to speculate!

Judging by the screenshots, I think it is safe to assume that Super Mario 3DS will be a Mario game of the 3D (as in 3D graphics) variety akin to Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy. I have a feeling that some side scrolling sequences will be thrown into the mix much like in Galaxy. Personally I think this is a mistake for Nintendo based on  the sales of New Super Mario Bros. and New Super Mario Bros. Wii which each have sold over 20 million units a piece.


If you studied the pictures long enough (like one Infendo writer did) you would notice something that Mario is lacking in one of his screenshots. Mario’s hat is gone and he seems to be small Mario. What can we take this to mean? I have a feeling that with Super Mario 3DS we will see the return of the ”˜get hit and get shrunk’ game mechanic that was brought to the series in the NES original and the removal of the health bar…er circle that all previous 3D mario titles have utilized.  My hope is also the return of some classic Super Mario 64 hat power ups such as metal Mario and wing cap Mario.

The final clue that Nintendo gives us of the game is in the temporary logo that was revealed in which we see a tail that looks very much like the tail in the logo for Super Mario Bros. 3. I don’t see how this can mean anything less than the return of raccoon suit Mario and if we are lucky, tanooki suit Mario. These are by far my favorite power ups in the Mario universe bar none. It should be interesting to see how the flying controls in 3D (again, 3D graphics).

No matter what ends up being in the final product, you can count on Nintendo to bring the whimsy. I trust Miyamoto and his crew deliver a triple A title worthy of the Mario name.

What do you think Infendo? What powers ups will Mario be smashing enemies with? What do you want to see in Mario’s next adventure?

Eugene lives in New Mexico and has been a life long gamer since getting his hands on an NES. Always partial to Nintendo, Eugene has made it a point to keep informed on all things Mario.