The recent release ofMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopehas proven that the crossover series still has plenty to give fans, but many suspect that the game’s climactic battle could be hiding hints to an upcomingSuper Mario Galaxy 3project. Even before its launch,Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopehas been surrounded with exciting news such as therecent tease of Rayman being added as DLC, so fans have been eager to examine everything that the game has to offer to speculate on what could be in store next for Mario, the Rabbids, or Nintendo overall.
The theories forSuper Mario Galaxy 3stem fromMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope’s final battle where the player can finally take the fight to Cursa. While fans were anticipating that either of theSuper Mario Galaxygames might influenceSparks of Hope, it was previously unclear to what extent this would be. However, as the final battle sees players returning to the Comet Observatory to save Rosalina and the Sparks, it seems thatSparks of Hopehad a far more involved relationship with theSuper MarioGalaxyseries than first thought, leading many to suspect that Nintendo is testing the waters its own official revival.
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Where Super Mario Galaxy Left Off
Rosalina, the Lumas, and the Comet Observatory were all first introduced inSuper Mario Galaxyin 2007, all part of a game that revolutionized theSuper Marioseries with its unique gravity mechanics and creative new content. The game was highly successful and popular, even prompting Nintendo to follow it up withSuper Mario Galaxy 2,whichexpanded the series to include Yoshiwithin theGalaxyuniverse. Despite a significant change in design, including Rosalina and the Comet Observatory being absent until the game’s end,Super Mario Galaxy 2was just as well received.
But with the Wii on its way out and the Switch leading Nintendo’s creative direction, games likeSuper Mario Galaxywhich had been developed exclusively for the Wii seemed to be phased out and replaced with the equally successfulSuper Mario Odyssey.Super Mario Galaxywould return, however, as part ofSuper Mario’s35th anniversary celebration withSuper Mario 3D All-Stars.While nothing was changed about the game itself and its sequel not included,Super Mario3D All-Starsdemonstrated how wellSuper Mario Galaxycould work on the Switch, prompting renewed calls from fans forSuper Mario Galaxy 3.
Super Mario Galaxy 3 On The Event Horizon
Beyond appearances in games such asSuper Smash Bros. UltimateandMario Kart 8 Deluxeamong other cameos, the likes of the Comet Observatory, Lumas, orRosalina haven’t had a significant role sinceSuper Mario Galaxy.Their reappearance inMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopehas shown fans of theSuper Mario Galaxyseries that these characters, settings, and ideas aren’t artifacts of history just yet. Many suggest that out of all the directionsMario + Rabbidscould have gone, choosing to involveSuper Mario Galaxycanon proves both its lasting popularity and potential.
But likelihood ofa futureSuper Mario Galaxy 3is currently just speculative, fueled by online communities of fans still hoping for a return to the stars with Mario. After all,Super Mario Galaxy 2was already underway with the working titleSuper Mario Galaxy More,yet no such talk about a third game followingSuper Mario Galaxy 2has ever come to light. While this suggests Nintendo could have shelved the idea in favor of new ideas for the Switch, betweenSuper Mario 3D All-Starsand the Switch’s age, fans believe it’s time to revisitSuper Mario Galaxyand round out the trilogy.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopeis available for the Nintendo Switch.
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