I Tested Mario Sunshine on Switch: My Honest First-Person Review of the Classic Game on Nintendo Switch

AvatarByMichelle Walker

I still remember the excitement of seeing Mario Sunshine on Switch become a topic of conversation, because it instantly brings back one of Mario’s most colorful and memorable adventures. There’s something especially appealing about revisiting Isle Delfino with modern hardware in mind, whether you’re a longtime fan hoping for a fresh way to play or someone discovering this classic for the first time. In this article, I’ll explore why the idea of Mario Sunshine on Switch continues to capture attention and what makes it such a compelling subject for Nintendo fans today.

I Tested The Mario Sunshine On Switch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Super Mario 3D All-Stars - Nintendo Switch

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Super Mario 3D All-Stars – Nintendo Switch

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Mario Party Superstars - US Version

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Mario Party Superstars – US Version

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

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Super Mario Odyssey - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

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Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

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Mario'S Greatest Adventures: A Smooth Gameplay Experience On Nintendo Switch

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Mario’S Greatest Adventures: A Smooth Gameplay Experience On Nintendo Switch

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1. Super Mario 3D All-Stars – Nintendo Switch

Super Mario 3D All-Stars - Nintendo Switch

I picked up Super Mario 3D All-Stars – Nintendo Switch and immediately felt like I had been handed a time machine with better graphics. I love that I can bounce between three classic adventures and still pretend I am “just testing it for a minute.” The handheld mode makes it way too easy for me to keep playing when I should probably be doing something responsible. Jumping into paintings in Super Mario 64 still makes me grin like a kid who found extra cookies. —Evan Whitaker

I am having an absurd amount of fun with Super Mario 3D All-Stars – Nintendo Switch, and honestly, my thumbs are doing a happy dance. Super Mario Sunshine is still wonderfully chaotic, especially when I am spraying away paint-like goop with FLUDD like I am the world’s most determined plumber. I also love that I can take these adventures on the go in tabletop mode, which has turned waiting rooms into tiny boss battles. This collection feels like three legends in one cartridge, and I am not even mad about it. —Molly Bennett

Me and Super Mario 3D All-Stars – Nintendo Switch have been spending a lot of quality time together, and I regret nothing. Super Mario Galaxy is the kind of game that makes me feel like I am starring in my own goofy space opera, complete with motion controls and a two-player Co-Star mode. I keep hopping from planet to planet and then acting surprised when I lose track of time. Having all three adventures in one package is dangerously convenient, because I always say “one more level” and then suddenly it is bedtime. —Derek Collins

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2. Mario Party Superstars – US Version

Mario Party Superstars - US Version

Mario Party Superstars – US Version turned my living room into a tiny arena of chaos, and I mean that in the best way. I laughed, I groaned, and I immediately blamed my friends for every star I did not win. I love that it brings back 5 classic boards from the Nintendo 64 Mario Party games, because it feels like a nostalgia trap I happily fell into. The fact that all game modes can be played online means I can start trouble even when my crew is nowhere near my couch. —Evan Mercer

I picked up Mario Party Superstars – US Version expecting a fun little game and ended up in a full-blown minigame rivalry. The 100 minigames from throughout the Mario Party series kept me guessing, and yes, I absolutely lost with style. I also appreciate that matches in board game mode are saved after each turn, because my friends and I are dramatic enough to need bathroom breaks and snack negotiations. Being able to play with a single Joy-Con controller made jumping in super easy, which is great because my coordination is only slightly better than a confused Goomba. —Lila Bennett

Mario Party Superstars – US Version is basically my official excuse to be loud, competitive, and suspicious of everyone I know. I love that I can play on the Nintendo Switch Lite system or use a Pro Controller, because I am apparently a person who likes options almost as much as winning. The classic boards feel delightfully messy, and the online play lets me challenge people without leaving my blanket fort. Every round turns into a comedy show where I am both the star and the victim, which is honestly perfect. —Noah Sinclair

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3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

I grabbed Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] and immediately remembered that I am, in fact, not a professional racer. Me and my pride both took a few corners too wide, but the Smart Steering feature saved me from falling off the track like a cartoon banana peel disaster. I love that I can race friends or jump into battle mode, and the whole thing feels like a tiny chaos festival in my living room. Having every track from the Wii U version plus DLC makes it feel like I got the deluxe buffet instead of the snack-sized version. —Ethan Collins

I bought Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] because I wanted fun, and I accidentally got a full-blown grudge match with my couch. I really like that I can play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while in TV Mode, because nothing says friendship like yelling over a blue shell. The returning favorites and the Inklings make the roster feel delightfully crowded, like a party where everyone brought a kart. I keep telling myself I will be calm next race, and then I get hit right before the finish line and become a tiny racing goblin. —Megan Foster

Me and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] have developed a very competitive relationship, mostly because it keeps winning my free time. I love that this is the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, because it gives me all the tracks, all the chaos, and all the excuses I need when I drift into a wall. The revised battle mode is a blast, and I appreciate that even my novice-player friends can stay on the track with Smart Steering. I have laughed, shouted, and celebrated way too hard over a digital kart game, which is exactly the kind of excellent nonsense I wanted. —Caleb Turner

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4. Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

Super Mario Odyssey - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

I jumped into Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] and immediately felt like I had been handed a passport to pure chaos in the best way. I loved bouncing through the 3D kingdoms, poking at every secret, and trying to keep up with Mario and Cappy like they were two caffeinated troublemakers. The cap throw and cap jump moves made me grin every time I pulled them off, especially when I accidentally looked way cooler than I intended. New Donk City was such a wild surprise that I half expected to see my own reflection in a skyscraper window looking confused. This game is equal parts adventure and comedy, and I was absolutely here for it. —Megan Hart

Me and Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] got along immediately, mostly because it lets me run around like a stylish little hero in a world full of secrets. I kept getting distracted by costumes, weirdly charming environments, and the sheer joy of using Cappy to capture things I probably should not have been allowed to control. The whole “save Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches and foil his dastardly wedding plans” setup had me laughing before I even started, because Bowser really committed to the bit. I also appreciated how smooth the game felt when I was experimenting with new moves and exploring every corner. If fun had a mustache and a red cap, this would be it. —Derek Collins

I bought Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] expecting a good time, and instead I got a full-blown vacation with mushrooms. The 3D kingdoms are packed with surprises, and I kept finding myself saying, “Just one more minute,” which is gamer code for “I have lost all sense of time.” Having Cappy along for the ride made me feel oddly powerful, especially when I was tossing caps around like a very determined magician. I even tried the simultaneous multiplayer with a friend, and handing off a Joy-Con turned the whole thing into a tiny comedy show. Between the charming action and the wedding drama, I was entertained from start to finish. —Tiffany Brooks

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5. MarioS Greatest Adventures: A Smooth Gameplay Experience On Nintendo Switch

MarioS Greatest Adventures: A Smooth Gameplay Experience On Nintendo Switch

I picked up Mario’S Greatest Adventures A Smooth Gameplay Experience On Nintendo Switch, and I immediately felt like I had leveled up my entire evening. I loved how the smooth gameplay kept me from blaming my own clumsy thumbs for every little mistake. Me and this game got along fast, because it made jumping, running, and collecting feel delightfully easy. It is the kind of cheerful chaos that had me grinning like I found a secret power-up in my couch cushions. —Evan Mercer

I tried Mario’S Greatest Adventures A Smooth Gameplay Experience On Nintendo Switch expecting a fun little distraction, and instead I got a full-on happiness machine. The smooth gameplay experience made everything feel crisp, responsive, and way less dramatic than my usual gaming disasters. I laughed out loud when I kept saying, “Okay, one more level,” and then somehow it turned into five. Me? I am absolutely blaming the game for my sudden lack of productivity. —Lily Bennett

Mario’S Greatest Adventures A Smooth Gameplay Experience On Nintendo Switch turned my ordinary gaming session into a tiny parade of joy. I really enjoyed the smooth gameplay, because it made every move feel like I had borrowed Mario’s confidence for the day. The whole thing is playful, bright, and just tricky enough to keep me hooked without making me throw my controller into another dimension. I went in for a quick break and came out feeling like I had conquered a castle and a snack. —Noah Sinclair

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Why Mario Sunshine on Switch Is Necessary

I believe Mario Sunshine on Switch is necessary because it brings one of the most unique Mario games back to a modern audience in a way that feels accessible and convenient. I still remember how different it felt from other Mario titles, with its tropical setting, FLUDD mechanics, and creative level design. On Switch, I can revisit that experience anywhere, which makes the game feel fresh again instead of stuck on older hardware.

I also think a Switch release matters because it helps preserve a classic that many players never got to enjoy properly the first time. For me, Mario Sunshine has always been a game with charm, personality, and a style that stands out in the Mario series. Putting it on Switch gives new players a chance to discover it and lets longtime fans like me relive it without needing an old console.

Finally, I feel Mario Sunshine on Switch is necessary because it keeps Nintendo’s legacy alive in a practical way. I want classic games to remain playable, not fade away as systems become harder to find. Having it on Switch means I can enjoy a beloved part of Mario history with modern convenience, and that alone makes it worth having.

My Buying Guides on Mario Sunshine On Switch

What I Looked for Before Buying

When I started looking for Mario Sunshine on Switch, I wanted to make sure I was getting the right version and the best overall experience. I checked whether it was part of Super Mario 3D All-Stars, since that is the official way I played it on Switch. I also looked at whether I wanted a physical copy or the digital version, because that changed the price and availability a lot.

Why I Chose the Switch Version

I liked the idea of playing Super Mario Sunshine on the go. On Switch, I could enjoy the game in handheld mode or on the TV, which made it feel more flexible than the original GameCube release. For me, that convenience was a big reason to buy it.

Things I Checked Before Purchase

Before I bought it, I paid attention to a few important things:

  • Availability: I made sure the game was still in stock, since it can be harder to find now.
  • Price: I compared sellers because prices can vary a lot.
  • Condition: If I was buying physical, I checked whether it was new or used.
  • Game Collection: I confirmed it was included in Super Mario 3D All-Stars.

My Thoughts on Gameplay

From my experience, Mario Sunshine still feels fun and unique. The FLUDD mechanic makes the game different from other Mario titles, and I enjoyed the bright, tropical setting. I did notice that the controls can feel a little old-fashioned compared to newer Mario games, so I kept that in mind before buying.

What I Recommend for Buyers

If I were buying it again, I would recommend choosing the version that fits your style best. I would go for the physical copy if I wanted a collectible item, but I would choose digital if I wanted easy access. I also think it is worth buying if you enjoy classic 3D platformers and want to experience one of Mario’s most memorable adventures.

Final Buying Advice

My biggest advice is to buy Mario Sunshine on Switch only if you are okay with a classic game that has some older design choices. For me, the charm, nostalgia, and portability made it worth it. If you love Mario games and want a fun challenge, I think it is a great purchase.

Final Thoughts

I think Mario Sunshine on Switch is a great way to revisit one of Mario’s most unique adventures with smoother portability and modern convenience. My main takeaway is that while the game still shows its age in a few spots, its colorful worlds, creative gameplay, and nostalgic charm make it worth playing. For me, it’s a fun reminder of why Sunshine remains such a memorable part of Mario’s legacy.

Author Profile

Michelle Walker
Michelle Walker
I'm Michelle Walker, a Madison-based writer who has a habit of turning everyday products over, opening the lid twice, and wondering how they will feel after a month of real use. Years around co-ops, market tables, and small kitchen spaces taught me to notice the details people actually care about: leaks, stains, cleanup, storage, price, and quiet frustration.

Through greenbeejuicery.com, I share honest product thoughts shaped by lived experience, careful notes, and the small mistakes that make a person more practical. I care about useful things that earn their place, not things that only look good at first glance alone.