The Switch has been a huge platform for smaller series in Nintendo’s wheelhouse, as evidenced by thesuccess of titles likeAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsandLuigi’s Mansion 3.Pokemonhas also brought a host of new and old spin-off games, including the returningMystery DungeonandPokemon Snap. Nintendo’s portly plumber mascot has had his fair share of wins on the Switch likeSuper Mario Odyssey, and the impending release ofPaper Mario: The Origami Kingcould herald even more.
In its three years, the Nintendo Switch has hosted entries in popular spin-off series likeMario Kart,Super Smash Bros., andMario Party. However, for as beloved as earlier titles are by fans, thePaper Mariofranchise has faltered in recent years thanks to the lukewarm performance ofSticker StarandColor Splash. IfThe Origami Kingis successful in drawing more attention, that could spell good news for other subfranchises coming offtheMarioseries' 35th anniversary.
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Other Mario Role-Playing Games
Whenever conversations aboutPaper Mariostart up, many people’s first inclination is to look at the originalSuper Mario RPG, is an adored N64 title that deserves attention on current hardware. IfThe Origami Kingshows promise, despite its departure from the series' RPG roots, there is a better opportunitySuper Mario RPGcould show up throughNintendo Switch Online likeDonkey Kong Country.
Likewise, theMario & Luigiseries is a handheld franchise that deserves a wider audience on the Switch. This seems unlikely, however, consideringAlphaDream went bankrupt in 2019after it remadeSuperstar SagaandBowser’s Inside Storyon the 3DS.
Mario Sports Games
While theOlympic Gamescrossover series with Sonic has remained popular, Mario also has a long history of playing individual sports with his colorful cast of characters.Mario Tennis Acescontinues to host official tournamentson the Switch, but sports like golf and baseball have yet to appear on current-gen hardware. In fact, 2008’sMario Super Sluggerswas its last baseball game, and theMario Strikersseries has not appeared since 2007.
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Mario vs. Donkey Kong
The puzzle-basedMario vs. Donkey Kongseries has had more recent releases than some of the sports titles, with 2015’sMario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Starson the Wii U and 3DS. However, it has never been a high-profile spin-off in the Mushroom Kingdom’s arsenal. Its original entry on the Game Boy Advance was a puzzle-platformer, a sort of spiritual successor to theDonkey Kongarcade game. This style has a lot of potential to be brought back, though recent entries in the series are more about pure puzzling.
Other Mario Puzzle Games
Nintendo saw a decent first success on the mobile market withSuper Mario Run, which was followed up byDr. Mario WorldandMario Kart Tourin 2019. Though none have seen the success thatFire Emblem HeroesorPokemon GOachieved, the lacklusterDr. Mario Worldcontinues to add new characters. Given the attention afforded to titles likePokemon Cafe Mixon Switch, there could be potential in havingDr. Marioreappear.
Then again, Mario has also appeared in other puzzle games. The 1995 Game Boy titleMario’s Picrossstarted a small franchise, and Nintendo further expanded on this idea withThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Picross. Developer Juniper revealed aSega Mega Drive crossover forPicross Slast month, so clearly there’s an audience.
Whether or notPaper Mario: The Origami Kingis successful enough to warrant a flood of returning Mario subfranchises will have to be seen once it is available. The gaming mascot has dipped his toes into many markets, even going head-to-head with basketball stars like Magic Johnson inNBA Street V3, so there’s no doubt he has a lot more potential.
Paper Mario: The Origami Kingreleases for Nintendo Switch on July 17th.
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