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

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/24-years-later-nintendos-most-divisive-mario-game-is-a-miracle-on-switch-2/
- Published: 2026-10-27T01:06:52+00:00
- Original publisher: Polygon
- Original article: https://www.polygon.com/super-mario-sunshine-nintendo-switch-online/
- Topics: Entertainment, Gaming

## Key points

- Super Mario Sunshine has joined Switch 2’s GameCube collection.
- Its unusual levels have divided players for years.
- The article praises its creativity and cohesive island setting.

## Summary

Super Mario Sunshine is now available to Switch 2 owners through Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube collection, giving players a chance to revisit one of the series’ most divisive games. The article argues that, despite flaws, its experimental design and distinctive sense of place make it a particularly inventive Mario adventure.

Released in 2002, the game became the GameCube’s third best-selling title, despite a reputation that has since split players between admirers and critics. Mario uses the water-powered FLUDD to clean up Isle Delfino and move through varied challenges, from a rollercoaster boss fight to a watermelon task; the article says the tropical setting and soundtrack help make these unusual levels feel cohesive.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.