On October 27, 2017, the gaming world was electrified by the global release of 'Super Mario Odyssey' for the Nintendo Switch. Launched in the console's crucial first year, the game was not just a new entry in a beloved series but a monumental event. It represented Mario's grand return to the open-ended, sandbox-style 3D platforming that had defined classics like 'Super Mario 64.' Arriving just months after 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,' 'Odyssey' cemented the Switch's status as a must-have console, proving Nintendo could deliver two system-defining masterpieces in a single year. This date marked the beginning of a new adventure for millions, offering a journey filled with pure joy, creativity, and boundless discovery.
What it is
'Super Mario Odyssey' is a 3D platforming adventure game that breaks new ground for the franchise. Players control Mario as he travels across a variety of expansive and diverse worlds, known as Kingdoms, aboard his hat-shaped airship, the Odyssey. The game's central innovation is Cappy, a sentient hat that Mario can throw to attack enemies, activate switches, or, most importantly, 'capture' a vast array of creatures, characters, and objects. By capturing a T-Rex, a Goomba, a taxi, or even a bolt of electricity, Mario gains their unique abilities, which are essential for navigating environments and solving intricate puzzles. The primary goal is to collect Power Moons hidden throughout each Kingdom to fuel the Odyssey and once again rescue Princess Peach from Bowser's matrimonial machinations.
How it came to be
Development for 'Super Mario Odyssey' began in 2013 at Nintendo's Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) division, following the release of 'Super Mario 3D World.' Producer Yoshiaki Koizumi and his team sought to revisit the sandbox-style design of 'Super Mario 64' and 'Super Mario Sunshine,' focusing on dense environments and the joy of exploration. The team brainstormed numerous ideas, with the hat-throwing and 'capture' mechanic emerging as a core concept that offered a fresh and versatile gameplay hook. Built from the ground up for the Nintendo Switch, the game was designed to be equally compelling on a large TV or in handheld mode. The development team worked in parallel with the 'Breath of the Wild' team, sharing a philosophy of rewarding player curiosity and breaking series conventions.
How many it sold
'Super Mario Odyssey' was a massive commercial success right from its launch, becoming a key system-seller for the Nintendo Switch. It sold over two million copies worldwide within its first three days, making it the fastest-selling Mario game ever in both North America and Europe at the time. Its momentum never slowed, and it quickly became one of the cornerstone titles of the Switch library. As of late 2023, the game has sold over 27 million units globally, placing it firmly among the best-selling games on the console. This incredible sales performance not only generated significant revenue for Nintendo but also played a crucial role in driving the Switch's hardware sales during its first holiday season and beyond, solidifying its place in the market.
Why it resonated
The game resonated with players and critics on a profound level, earning perfect or near-perfect scores across the board. Its genius lies in its perfect execution of freedom and creativity. The capture mechanic, Cappy, was universally lauded as a brilliant innovation, constantly providing players with new and delightful ways to interact with the world. Each Kingdom was a meticulously crafted playground, bursting with personality, charm, and an astonishing number of secrets to uncover. The game masterfully balanced accessibility for casual players with deep, rewarding challenges for completionists. This, combined with its infectious optimism, stunning art direction, and a memorable, jazzy soundtrack highlighted by the iconic 'Jump Up, Super Star!' musical number, created an experience of pure, unadulterated joy that captured the hearts of millions.
Impact today
Today, 'Super Mario Odyssey' is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made and a modern benchmark for the 3D platformer genre. It continues to be a top-selling title on the Nintendo Switch, maintaining its relevance years after its release. The game fostered a dedicated speedrunning community that continues to push the limits of its mechanics. Its success not only defined the early era of the Nintendo Switch but also reaffirmed Mario's status as a timeless icon capable of radical reinvention. Elements from the game, like Cappy's inclusion as a spirit in 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,' show its lasting influence within Nintendo's ecosystem. The design principles of 'Odyssey'—empowering player creativity within dense, explorable worlds—have undoubtedly influenced game design across the industry.
Historical content researched and generated by Gemini 2.5 Pro.