It could be coincidence, especially since some of the Mario games released almost a year after the console released, but let me explain:
1. N64 & SM64
SM64 was a launch title for the N64 and was highly acclaimed for its groundbreaking 3D open world. Anyone over the age of 25 remembers how awe inspiring it was to run around Peaches Castle for the first time.
Although the PS1 ended up outselling the N64, the N64 and SM64 were both critically acclaimed and considered a success
2. GCN & Mario Sunshine
After SM64, the fans were looking forward to the rumored SM128. What they got was a unique Mario game that was at worst a unique but ultimately mediocre Mario game, and at best a good Mario game that was ahead of its time. The GCN sold poorly and Sunshine was reviewed well below par for a Mario game.
3. Wii and Mario Galaxy 1&2
Yes, we all know the Wii was anchored its pack-in game "Wii Sports" but after the waggle fad wore off, it needed substance to keep the momentum going. Almost exactly 1 year after the console's launch, Nintendo released Super Mario Galaxy. Some say Galaxy, even to this day, is the best Mario game ever made as it somehow was able to match the innovation of the Wii itself. So, it should come as no surprise that the Wii continued to sell very well for the next 3 years after Galaxy. Oh, and for good measure Nintendo followed up Galaxy with a sequel on the Wii aptly titled Galaxy 2. Both Galaxy 1&2 were considered among the best Mario titles ever made and so it should come as no surprise the Wii was also one of the best selling Nintendo hardware units of all time
4. Wii U and Super Mario 3D World
Just like GCN owners were hoping for SM128, plenty of Wii U owners were praying for Super Mario Galaxy 3. Instead, they were treated to a juiced up version of Super Mario 3D land for 3DS. While both games were reviewed rather favorable, 3D World on Wii-U just lacked charm that surprisingly not even the introduction of cat Mario could bring. It was ultimately one of the more forgettable 3D Mario titles, and one that I think, if re-reviewed today, would get docked a bit for not standing the test of time. Mario 3D World was ultimately a below average if not forgettable 3D Mario title, and the Wii U was the worst selling Nintendo console since Virtual Boy.
5. Switch and Mario Odyssey
Fans got their first look at Mario Odyssey the same moment they got their first look at the Switch hardware as they were both shown in the Switch's release trailer. Rooftop party anyone? A home console that you could take anywhere was the theme, and fans responded positively. Other than the hardware itself, Odyssey received the some of the most buzz from that trailer. 7 months after the Switch's launch, Odyssey released with critical acclaim and a metascore that approaches the Galaxy titles. The Switch and Odyssey so far are both successful
There's definitely a correlation between a Nintendo console and the quality of its Mario title, but is it coincidental? Maybe. Discuss
1. N64 & SM64
SM64 was a launch title for the N64 and was highly acclaimed for its groundbreaking 3D open world. Anyone over the age of 25 remembers how awe inspiring it was to run around Peaches Castle for the first time.
Although the PS1 ended up outselling the N64, the N64 and SM64 were both critically acclaimed and considered a success
2. GCN & Mario Sunshine
After SM64, the fans were looking forward to the rumored SM128. What they got was a unique Mario game that was at worst a unique but ultimately mediocre Mario game, and at best a good Mario game that was ahead of its time. The GCN sold poorly and Sunshine was reviewed well below par for a Mario game.
3. Wii and Mario Galaxy 1&2
Yes, we all know the Wii was anchored its pack-in game "Wii Sports" but after the waggle fad wore off, it needed substance to keep the momentum going. Almost exactly 1 year after the console's launch, Nintendo released Super Mario Galaxy. Some say Galaxy, even to this day, is the best Mario game ever made as it somehow was able to match the innovation of the Wii itself. So, it should come as no surprise that the Wii continued to sell very well for the next 3 years after Galaxy. Oh, and for good measure Nintendo followed up Galaxy with a sequel on the Wii aptly titled Galaxy 2. Both Galaxy 1&2 were considered among the best Mario titles ever made and so it should come as no surprise the Wii was also one of the best selling Nintendo hardware units of all time
4. Wii U and Super Mario 3D World
Just like GCN owners were hoping for SM128, plenty of Wii U owners were praying for Super Mario Galaxy 3. Instead, they were treated to a juiced up version of Super Mario 3D land for 3DS. While both games were reviewed rather favorable, 3D World on Wii-U just lacked charm that surprisingly not even the introduction of cat Mario could bring. It was ultimately one of the more forgettable 3D Mario titles, and one that I think, if re-reviewed today, would get docked a bit for not standing the test of time. Mario 3D World was ultimately a below average if not forgettable 3D Mario title, and the Wii U was the worst selling Nintendo console since Virtual Boy.
5. Switch and Mario Odyssey
Fans got their first look at Mario Odyssey the same moment they got their first look at the Switch hardware as they were both shown in the Switch's release trailer. Rooftop party anyone? A home console that you could take anywhere was the theme, and fans responded positively. Other than the hardware itself, Odyssey received the some of the most buzz from that trailer. 7 months after the Switch's launch, Odyssey released with critical acclaim and a metascore that approaches the Galaxy titles. The Switch and Odyssey so far are both successful
There's definitely a correlation between a Nintendo console and the quality of its Mario title, but is it coincidental? Maybe. Discuss
