Nintendo surprised everyone when it released a Super Mario Bros.-themed Direct with no prior announcements. The Super Mario Bros. Nintendo Direct was full of its own surprises, including the strange fact that a few of the biggest announcements are only going to be available to the public for a limited time.
Firstly, the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. device is going to launch on November 13 in limited quantities, and will be discontinued come March 2021. This particular limited-time release makes more sense. After all, Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. is more of a novelty item than anything else, and will likely only appeal to hardcore Nintendo and Super Mario enthusiasts. However, some of the other limited-time games make less sense.
For example, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is only going to be available until March 2021, even the digital version. This means Nintendo Switch fans have a limited window if they want to own the game, which combines Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy in one package. It's possible that Nintendo has plans to release the games individually in the future, and so by removing the collection from the eshop and retail storefronts, it could potentially get consumers to buy the individual releases instead. However, that is just speculation and Nintendo hasn't given any actual reasoning for this decision.
And finally, the Super Mario Bros. battle royale game, Super Mario Bros. 35, will also only be available until March 2021. This decision is especially perplexing, as Super Mario Bros. 35 is being released for the Switch Online service. One would think that Nintendo would want to bolster its Switch Online library with as many exclusive titles as it can to keep players subscribed and bring in new subscribers. In any case, those that want to play Super Mario Bros. 35 will need to be sure to do so between October 1, 2020 and March 2021.
It's unclear why Nintendo is deciding to release these titles in limited quantities, but it could be an attempt to create a sense of urgency for consumers to buy them. If fans know that they can only play Super Mario Bros. 35 for a limited time, they may be more tempted to renew their Switch Online subscription. If fans know that Super Mario 3D All-Stars will only be available in limited quantities and on sale for a limited time, they may be more tempted to purchase the collection right away.
Hopefully Nintendo offers some more insight into its decisions soon, as many fans are left scratching their heads.
