Super Mario Odyssey Turns 8: Celebrating the Nintendo Switch Classic and Its Lasting Legacy

Super Mario Odyssey Turns 8: Celebrating the Nintendo Switch Classic and Its Lasting Legacy This week marks the eighth anniversary of Super Mario Odyssey, the critically acclaimed platformer that launched worldwide for the Nintendo Switch in October 2017.

Developed by Nintendo EPD, Super Mario Odyssey is recognized for redefining the 3D platforming genre, thanks to its inventive level design, imaginative worlds, and the introduction of Mario's throwable cap companion, Cappy.

Since its debut, the game has become a mainstay among Switch owners and a key title in the storied Super Mario franchise, helping cement the Nintendo Switch as one of the most successful consoles in the company's history. To commemorate this milestone, former Nintendo artist and director Takaya Imamura, known for his work on series like F-Zero and Star Fox, reflected on the game's enduring impact.

Imamura highlighted Odyssey’s anniversary by drawing an intriguing parallel between the timelines of Mario's adventures.

He noted that when Super Mario 64 released in 1996, eight years earlier brought Nintendo back to the era of the Famicom (NES), a period which saw the iconic releases of titles like Super Mario Bros.

2, Super Mario Bros.

3, Super Mario Land, Super Mario World, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, and Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island.

In Imamura's words, "It is hard to believe that Odyssey has already been here for eight years.

Eight years before Super Mario 64, we were still in the Famicom era, and I was just a student myself." Since the launch of Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo has kept the momentum going for its platforming mascot, with releases including Super Mario Maker 2 (2019), Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (2021), and the recent Super Mario Bros.

Wonder (2023).

Each of these titles has showcased the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and quality within the franchise, although the rapid pace of mainline Mario releases seen in the 1980s and 1990s has given way to more deliberate development cycles on newer hardware like the Nintendo Switch. Super Mario Odyssey’s launch marked a significant turning point for both the Super Mario series and the Nintendo Switch platform.

The game enjoyed both commercial and critical success, quickly surpassing two million units sold within three days of its release and currently standing as one of the best-selling Switch games on the Nintendo eShop.

Its inventive mechanics, captivating kingdoms, and rich replayability have influenced subsequent Super Mario games and set a high bar for future 3D Mario projects. As fans and developers alike look back on eight years of Super Mario Odyssey, it serves as a testament to Nintendo’s creative prowess and ongoing legacy in the gaming industry.

With anticipation high for the next major 3D Mario adventure, the enduring popularity of Odyssey ensures its place as one of the most celebrated titles in Nintendo history.

Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Mario Switch Super Mario 3D Mario Takaya Imamura developer Super Mario 64 Super Mario Maker 2 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury Super Mario Bros. Wonder Famicom NES Super Mario Bros. 2 Super Mario Bros. 3 Super Mario Land Super Mario World Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island