Nintendo has updated Super Mario 3D All-Stars to version 1.1.1, adding support for the newly released wireless Nintendo 64 controller that arrived alongside Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack last month. It means that you’ll be able to play Super Mario 64 with an original-style controller and button mapping.
It follows on from a similar update released last November, in which Nintendo added support for GameCube controllers, restoring the original button mapping for Super Mario Sunshine. In this instance, it’s more about bringing the standalone release of Mario 64 in 3D All-Stars up to the functionality that is found through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, with its library of N64 games (including Super Mario 64) all having support for the wireless N64 pad.
Here’s the patch notes for Super Mario 3D All-Stars from Nintendo:
Ver. 1.1.1 (Released November 3, 2021)
General
- Super Mario 64 now supports the Nintendo Switch Online member exclusive Nintendo 64 Controller (sold separately). Players can now play this title using the same controls as found in the original Nintendo 64 release.
- Information on connecting this controller can be found here.
- All button displays within Super Mario 64 will not reflect the Nintendo 64 controller.
The wireless Nintendo 64 pad is available exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, just as the wireless NES and SNES gamepad recreations are. The problem is that it’s also completely out of stock with Nintendo saying that the N64 pad will not be restocked until sometime in 2022. Expect to see some spicy prices on auction sites from resellers….
Related Reading: Is Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack’s N64 emulation good enough?
Super Mario 3D All-Stars released to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the platforming icon, bringing together Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy in a HD collection. Nintendo took the very odd decision to make it a time-limited release that was available for just six months before pulling it from stores. Additionally, Nintendo leant on emulation that meant that the games didn’t live up to what you’d expect the Nintendo Switch to be able to pull off, in particular with regard to control options, frame rate and other more significant enhancements.
In our Super Mario 3D All-Stars review, I wrote:
“It bundles together three great platformers, all of which benefit from the bump up to HD resolutions, and Nintendo have done well to adapt the varying controls to suit the Nintendo Switch, but there’s a squandered opportunity to enhance and go beyond this in a meaningful way. Maybe Nintendo are saving themselves for the big five-oh in 2035?”
Maybe the N64 pad will be back on sale by then?
Source: Nintendo
