24 Years Later, Nintendo's Most Divisive Mario Game Is a Miracle on Switch 2

Super Mario Sunshine launched in 2002 to critical acclaim and strong sales, becoming the third best-selling GameCube game. Decades later, its reputation remains polarized, with some praising its creativity and others criticizing its camera controls and uneven level design. The game’s experimental approach replaced traditional power-ups with a water-squirting backpack, FLUDD, which served as both a tool and a traversal method. Players now have the opportunity to judge its legacy firsthand as part of Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube collection.

The game’s tropical island setting unites its diverse locations, creating a cohesive experience that feels like a summer vacation. Levels such as Ricco Harbor and Gelato Beach showcase inventive design, transforming environments into playgrounds. Its soundtrack, featuring ukulele and steel drums, reinforces the island aesthetic. Despite some misfires, Sunshine’s willingness to experiment remains a hallmark of its appeal.

Super Mario Sunshine is often cited as the most experimental Mario game, introducing mechanics like a casino with water-controlled slot machines and a rollercoaster boss fight. Its willingness to take risks aligns with later titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, where unpredictability drives engagement. The game’s cohesion stems from its unified setting, a contrast to later Mario titles that prioritize variety over thematic unity.

The GameCube era saw Nintendo reimagining its franchises while preserving core elements, a philosophy that defined titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Metroid Prime. Super Mario Sunshine fits this lineage, offering a tourist-like experience where players learn to navigate unfamiliar worlds. Its return on Switch 2 allows new and returning players to assess its place in the series’ history.