Despite the outcry and objections from fans, Nintendo is sticking to its guns and delisting Super Mario 3D All-Stars from both physical and digital storefronts on March 31, alongside the Super Mario 35 battle royale and other products related to the franchise's 35th anniversary. With 3D All-Stars being a compilation title comprised of three games, many hoped/theorized that Nintendo is planning to re-release the three individually. While that hasn't been confirmed yet, Nintendo has stated that there will be one way for people to buy the game after the delisting.
According to VGC, Nintendo's Japan HQ said that download cards for Super Mario 3D All-Stars bought from retailers will remain valid even after April. This likely also applies to digital codes sold by western retailers, such as Best Buy, or via Nintendo's own website. The company has also assured that anyone who owns the game will still have the option to redownload it should they ever delete it or lose it.
While it's good to know that latecomers will still have the means to buy the game in the future, these digital codes will only be available for as long as there is stock, and it's unlikely that Nintendo will continue to supply them to retailers if it's so committed to keeping 3D All-Stars as a limited title. Plus, there is no alternative for anyone who may want a physical copy of the game. Stock will no doubt remain available for a short period at retailers but it wouldn't be surprising if it ran out incredibly quickly. Super Mario 35 gets it even worse as it will effectively become a dead game come the beginning of April.
Considering the collection is the only way to play the three games included - Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy - on modern hardware, as well as being the most accessible way, the decision has been widely and routinely criticized since the initial announcement. A common accusation is that Nintendo's forced scarcity was an attempt to drum up sales, as many would be fearful of missing out on the game. If true, it worked since the game broke digital sales records at launch.
Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser defended the decision and assured that it wouldn't become a common practice, but his justification did little to change peoples' minds. Hopefully, if only for the sake of preservation, all three games will indeed be re-released at a later date for the Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is available exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
Source: VGC
