Opencritic (83)
Metacritic (83)
Eurogamer (No Score / Recommendation)
It's such a shame as there's so much to enjoy here. Perhaps all you need to know is that this is the best commercially available way to play two of the most magical, magnificent and downright essential video games in the medium's history (and to play Super Mario Sunshine too, of course). They're works of fascinating detail, exquisite design and an abundance of ideas - which makes it all the more baffling that Nintendo couldn't replicate any of that when bundling them all together.
Nintendolife (9/10) (Video)
We've had an absolute blast playing through these three gems all over again, especially now they look sharper than ever. It's a shame that the presentation is practically barebones with no bonus content beyond the soundtracks, but there can still be no denying the quality of the games on offer here. This is the Beatles' Greatest Hits of the video game world, and is an absolute treat whether you're reliving it in HD or discovering it for the first time.
Gamespot (8/10) (Video)
Taken all together, Mario 3D All-Stars is a worthwhile collection, featuring the best versions of Mario 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy to appear on a Nintendo system. Although the individual games have been sparingly touched up and there's little in the way of ancillary material to pore over, the titles themselves hold up well and are a delight to revisit. Despite their age, the games are still rife with inventive ideas and surprises, which more than makes up for the collection's presentational shortcomings.
Polygon (No Score)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a perfect re-creation of an imperfect batch of games. In the case of Super Mario Sunshine, those imperfections are far too consistent and devastating to recommend the game. Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy, though, are both fantastic. The quality of both titles is so high that some unfortunate drawbacks (dated visuals in the former, motion controls in the latter) aren't enough to stymie the pure excellence on hand. If anything, Super Mario 3D All-Stars shows the breadth of what a 3D Mario game can be, and much of that is truly excellent.
VGC (8/10) (Video)
Nintendo has delivered a joyous compilation of three platforming classics, but it's difficult not to feel like it could have been even more.
IGN (No Score)
To break it down simply, this collection consists of one historical relic, one noteworthy experiment, and one bonafide masterpiece, all delivered in a convenient $60 package. The overall lack of bells and whistles make Super Mario 3D All Stars a bit of a disappointment, but taken as individual works, the games speak for themselves. While I would have loved to have seen a collection more worthy of Mario's long and winding career, Super Mario 3D All-Stars does just enough to satisfy a longtime fan like myself, but misses the mark by not providing any of the updates and extras that would have really made this collection of classics sing.
USGamer (4/5)
The Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection could stand a few more extras. Customizable controls would be great, as would sound options, design documents, or artwork. When you think about everything the original All-Stars offered—three graphically upgraded Mario games, plus a "lost" game—3D All-Stars is a bit lacking. That said, the games in Super Mario 3D All-Stars still hold up today. I'm surprised how fun Super Mario 64 still is, and Super Mario Galaxy remains one of the heroic plumber's best outings. As for Super Mario Sunshine, well, that's still up to personal taste.
Kotaku (No Score)
More than anything, however, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a time capsule. The series' progression from one game to the next provides a fascinating look at how Nintendo almost willed an entire genre into existence and then, just as quickly, scaled it back to just the bare necessities without missing a beat.
Every game in Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a triumph, a clear indication of why Mario has remained an inextricable part of gaming history. They don't even have to tell you how to jump in these games anymore; Nintendo knows that every player's thumb will inevitably hover to the appropriate button.
Although I have my qualms with this collection—strange inconsistencies in the Super Mario Sunshine port chief among them—it does what it set out to do: chart Mario's evolution from a bushwhacking pioneer to the inimitable mascot of 3D platforming.
Game Informer (No Score)
Regardless of its shortcomings, this still serves as a great way to play these three games on modern, portable technology. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a must-have for all die-hard fans of Nintendo's flagship franchise, but it's unfortunate to have it outshone not only by the collection's contemporaries, but also by the collection it was essentially modeled after nearly three decades ago. If you're on the fence about Super Mario 3D All-Stars, you can't go wrong with these three classic adventures in one neat package.
Gamesbeat (4/5)
Even as a collection of well-done ports, 3D All-Stars feels lacking. For one thing, there's the bizarre absence of Super Mario Galaxy 2. This direct sequel may somehow be even better than the first Super Mario Galaxy. It's disappointing to not have it in this compilation.
If you're looking for extras, you won't find much. It comes with each game's soundtrack, which is nice. But that's it. It has no built-in achievements system, any kind of developer commentary, or any other fun, supplemental content.
That's what makes scoring this package so hard. On their own, each of these three games could earn 5 stars (maybe four for Sunshine). But this isn't just about them. This is a review of a collection. And as a package, 3D All-Stars feels a little sparse. It's not the end-all celebration of 3D Mario games that it could be. At the very least, it should include Super Mario Galaxy 2.
The Digital Fix (10/10)
Despite availability issues, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is easily one of the greatest games on Switch and a celebration of some of the best Nintendo games of all-time.
Metro GameCentral (10/10)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is not a very good compilation but two of the three games it contains are exceptional, one more from a historical perspective, the other from every angle imaginable. These are games that everyone owes it to themselves to play, and if the medium for doing so is this rather underwhelming collection that's still far better than nothing at all.
Cubed3 (10/10)
Well, it was never in doubt really, was it? Super Mario 3D All-Stars represents the pinnacle of platforming goodness and with perfect ports, as well as top notch optimisation for the console, it's a must-buy.
Comicbook.com (5/5)
A lot of folks will likely gripe about the lack of new content in Super Mario 3D All-Stars or about the inclusions that they might have wanted to see in the compilation. At the end of the day, however, the games here are so good, and the amount of content in this package is so high, it's hard to really hold the decision not to include even more against it. Everything runs smoothly, the necessary control changes work well, and having these titles available in a portable format is delightful. For those that have never played these games, or longtime fans looking to revisit some old favorites, Super Mario 3D All-Stars offers three of the best games of all time. After all these years, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy remain as captivating as ever.
Enternity.gr (10/10)
Owners of Nintendo Switch and Mario fans who won't give the necessary attention to this triad, have signed a guaranteed contract to burn in the hell of gaming.
COGconnected (92/100) (Video)
Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy are three near-perfect platforming adventures. In my opinion, they are must-play games that everyone should experience at some point, and what better time then now on the Nintendo Switch.
Digitally Downloaded (4.5/5)
All three of the games have historical worth, remain highly playable today, and are ported competently enough that they work. You're not going to suddenly find Bowser unbeatable because bugs have trashed what was once a great game. However, this is Nintendo's most valuable property and mascot, and it's amazing that the company didn't do more with this package than they have here.
Nintendo Enthusiast (9/10)
Although nothing here is likely to change your opinion on any of the titles, most people who have played these games don't need any convincing. Each game holds up very well and shines behind its own compelling strengths.
GameMAG (9/10, review in Russian)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is an amazing retrospective that shows us the first few steps that the series took going into three-demensional space. Even in this original form the trilogy easily stands tall among most modern games with it's timeless game design. All we can do now is just appreciate this masterpieces and celebrate Mario's anniversary together.
God is a Geek (9/10)
Whether the year it was released has affected the way Super Mario 3D All-Stars came together, we'll probably never know, but it still comes with a wholehearted recommendation simply due to the quality of the games.
Nintendo Insider (9/10)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars gathers three iconic games in one star-studded collection on Nintendo Switch. The chance to experience these grand adventures at home or on the move is nothing short of a triumph, but many will be left disappointed that more wasn't done to deliver improvements beneath the otherwise sharper surface.
My Nintendo News (9/10)
Overall, it's safe to say that Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a compilation worth its weight in gold. Not only have the games stood the test of time, they remain some of the best 3D platformers of the late '90s to early 2000s in existence. Between its visual resolution upgrades to the sheer flexibility of ways to play, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is the triple threat of the Nintendo Switch games' library – well, until 31st March.
Switch Player (4.5/5)
In gameplay terms alone, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a predictable triumph, one which will delight new players and experienced fans alike. The only minor drawbacks are the package's lack of extras or updates and its limited release.
The Sydney Morning Herald (9/10)
It would be easy to ask for more, but as it stands these are the best officially available versions of the some of the greatest 3D platform games of all time. The HD visuals and elegant control adaptations are arguably close to bare minimum, but the charm, craft and imagination on display in these three games is timeless and undeniable.
Vooks (4.5/5)
We can lament what could have been, how much more Nintendo could have done with these games and the collection in general. This week we're all time travellers, and when you travel to the past it's best not to change anything, although sometimes if you knew you could make things better – wouldn't you?
Nintendo seems intent on showing Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy as they were, warts and all – just in HD and playable on the Switch. Does the camera in Mario 64 kind of suck? Yes, it does. How has Sunshine come out best in this? I'm not sure. Are the controls for Galaxy here a bit of a problem? Maybe. But despite all this, you've got three tremendous games which are all still a ton of fun.
Cerealkillerz (8.9/10, review in German)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars offers one of the best collection of Super Mario Games ever made, even if the upgrades and presentation of the whole collection could have deserved a lot more love for details. If you wanna experience Super Mario Sunshine and Galaxy in its best form yet, you should definitely get this.
The Games Machine (8.6/10, review in Italian)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a good collection, but more because of the games it contains than because of Nintendo's effort in making it. The absence of extras and of Super Mario Galaxy 2 are an unpleasant disappointment.
Press Start (8.5/10)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is another must-own game for Nintendo Switch. It brings together three games from three different generations and shows just how timeless the Mario franchise is. At the same time, it is a shame that Nintendo didn't celebrate the iconic franchise a little more throughout the presentation of the package.
Nintendo World Report (8.5/10)
Updated, sharper textures for Super Mario 64, widescreen support for Super Mario Sunshine, and diverse new control options for Super Mario Galaxy, each bring welcome additions to their respective games. While yes, the updates are restrained somewhat in their ambition, the end result is undeniable. Even if some elements show their age, this is without a doubt, the best, and most versatile release these three classic 3D platformers have ever received.
Wccftech (8.5/10)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars contains three legendary games, and this package allows you to experience all of them, the way you remember them. Whether or not these games hold up as competitive, contemporary pieces of entertainment is one question, but they do serve as an amazing time machine taking me to the moments I shared with friends and loved ones years ago, and this is a perfect way for you to form new memories with yours. This is three of the very best 3D platformers of all time, at their best.
Destructoid (8.5/10) (Video)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars, as barebones as it might be as a compilation, is a great way to experience (or re-experience) these games all over again. It was a joy running through all three of them even if they weren't strictly upgraded. That goes double for Mario Galaxy, as this is going to be my preferred way to play it from now on.
GamesRadar (4/5)
Super Mario 3D All Stars' package of three of the best 3D Mario games are just enhanced and tweaked enough to be an enjoyable revisiting, but without removing the classic charm.
Hobby Consolas (80/100, review in Spanish)
Three fantastic games -one that feels a little old, one that still in good shape and another that is the same masterpiece- together in a somewhat lackluster compilation.
VG247 (4/5)
I still think Mario deserved a more lavish birthday celebration, but the classic titles in this collection really can't be diminished.
Twinfinite (4/5)
There's no denying that Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy are at the top of the list of Nintendo's most outstanding games, and the 3D All-Stars collection serves as a retrospective and reminder of Mario's growth over the course of 11 years.
Spaziogames (8/10, review in Italian)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a must have if you love classic platform games, but Nintendo could have done way more to celebrate Mario's 35th birthday.
PowerUp! (8/10)
The (dry) bones of Super Mario 3D All-Stars are impeccable - three of the best games ever made, spruced up for one of the best consoles ever made.
TheSixthAxis (7/10)
Much like an actual 35th birthday party (I assume), Super Mario 3D All-Stars just feels a little halfhearted. 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?
IGN Italy (7/10, review in Italian)
Nintrendo packed some truly unforgettable classics in a single pack. And forgot to celebrate them the way they deserved to.
Gameblog (7/10, review in French)
Super Mario 64 keeps its whole interest from historic and nostagic points of view, a revolutionary approach that Super Mario Sunshine spreads in every sense of the word, while Super Mario Galaxy takes off literally outer space, among the brightest three dimensional platformers. Such true ports preserve these masterpieces' authenticity, but the Super Mario 3D All-Stars title suggested more, both in content and style. Brilliant HD renditions with fully available soundtracks on the go don't shine enough to overshadow some old issues and Super Mario Galaxy 2's glaring omission from this otherwise stellar collection.
Critical Hit (6.5/10)
Despite collecting three of Mario's most well-known games, Super Mario 3D All Stars doesn't justify their porting onto the Switch. With minimal improvements, few features that truly make it feel like an "Anniversary celebration" and some bafflingly lazy design choices, 3D All Stars feels like more like a quick cash grab.
Stevivor (8/10)
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a decent bundle of games, though Super Mario 64 has aged poorly with clumsy controls, muddy visuals and no real effort by Nintendo to remaster or re-energise the game for the umpteenth platform you've just bought it on. Again. Super Mario Sunshine is a vast improvement upon that (and it should be, published five years later), though Super Mario Galaxy is truly the pick of the bunch, a game as great now as it was back then. Rosalina for life.
Digital Trends (4/5) (Video)
For those whose favorite games list features the three titles in this collection, you'll probably be over the moon with the opportunity to play them all at any time on either your TV or on the go. Those who missed out on these entries in gaming history will likely have a tough time adapting to their controls but will find wonder and joy in playing Super Mario Galaxy.
Console Creatures (Recommended)
Nintendo is having a great year once again and while I know there is a mixed reception on their game output this year, but I'm happy they have fall gaps in place to give their consumers some options. Even if you've already played any of three games in this bundle, Nintendo's art direction is timeless and the graphical upgrades prove how thoughtful Nintendo's game design is. While there aren't many extras included, the included soundtracks for Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy are a nice touch.
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