Both Super Mario 3D World and its new Bowser’s Fury bonus levels will have online multiplayer on the Nintendo Switch, allowing fans all over the world to team up as the heroes of the Mushroom Kingdom. An updated port of the well-received 2013 Wii U title was announced during today’s Nintendo Direct stream, which featured several exciting Mario reveals in honor of the Super Mario franchise’s 35th anniversary.

The biggest of these announcements was Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a three-game collection of some of the best 3D Mario titles of yesteryear with updated graphics, controls, and features for the Switch. While this was the reveal that dominated the show, there were other announcements as well, such as Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, an augmented reality racing title that has players control a pair of Mario and Luigi RC cars across a Switch-generated virtual course. There was also a special Super Mario-themed Game & Watch handheld, which is set to be released this November.

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As for Super Mario 3D World, fans will be able to share the fun with friends across the internet when the game arrives on the Nintendo Switch next February. According to GameRant, both Super Mario 3D World and its Switch-exclusive Bower’s Fury bonus content will feature online multiplayer for up to four players thanks to Nintendo Online. Players will only need a Switch, a Nintendo Online account, and a copy of Super Mario 3D World for each participant, although there won’t be any kind of in-game chat functionality.

Super Mario 3D World Bowser's Fury Cover

Despite first appearing on the ill-fated Wii U console, Super Mario 3D World was well-received by fans, quickly becoming the second highest-selling Wii U title in history when it was released in 2013. The game allowed players to choose between Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, or Super Mario Galaxy’s Rosalina as they utilized their own special abilities and new power-ups like the speed-granting Cat Suit to rescue the Sprixie Princesses from the clutches of Bowser. It also utilized the Wii U's GamePad controller for special functions like creating platforms and opening doors, but these will most likely be reworked for the Switch.                    

The original Wii U version of Super Mario 3D World allowed for local co-op multiplayer, but the ability to play with friends online is a welcome step up, even if players will have to find their own communication methods. Overall, this looks like an exciting time for Mario fans thanks to today’s Nintendo Direct event, and it will only get better when the Switch port of Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fury launch next February.

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Super Mario 3D World will release on the Nintendo Switch on February 12, 2021.

Source: GameRant