As Nintendo worked on the next 3D entry, the company looked towards its popular handheld system, the Nintendo DS, as a potential home for a return to 2D Mario. The Game Boy Advance received only remakes of previous Mario side-scrollers. While many celebrated the continued success of this 3D evolution of one of gaming’s most important and beloved franchises, some wondered if Mario’s 2D past was just that: the past.Įleven years had passed since the last 2D Super Mario game was released in 1995 with Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island on the Super Nintendo. In 2002, Nintendo released Super Mario Sunshine on GameCube to critical and fan acclaim. To say it revolutionized gaming would be an understatement. Super Mario 64 looked amazing in motion, but more importantly, it played like a dream. It also became the blueprint for nearly every 3D platformer for the next several years. That seminal entry proved Nintendo’s iconic plumber could transition to 3D and still be the juggernaut franchise it was in 2D. In 2006, the Super Mario series celebrated 10 years since its triumphant leap to 3D with Super Mario 64.

What’s Old is New Again What’s Old is New Again