For years, the Mario universe has gifted us with an embarrassment of riches. From the groundbreaking 3D adventures of Super Mario 64 to the dizzying karting chaos of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo’s iconic plumber has graced our consoles with an almost endless supply of joy. But amidst the titans of the Mario legacy, there lurks a lesser-sung hero, a title that, for reasons baffling to this day, often gets overlooked. Until now.

Prepare to have your nostalgic cores ignited and your thumbs ready for action, because this criminally underrated Mario game has finally arrived on Nintendo Switch Online: Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3.

Yes, you read that right. While many might associate the Super Mario Advance series with simpler ports or perhaps the occasional Mario Bros. 2 remake, Super Mario Advance 4 is so much more. It’s a meticulously crafted reimagining of one of the most beloved
platformers of all time, Super Mario Bros. 3, enhanced and revitalized for a new generation. And its inclusion in the ever-expanding Nintendo Switch Online library is a monumental occasion for both long-time fans and curious newcomers.

For those unfamiliar, Super Mario Bros. 3 on the NES is widely considered a masterpiece. It introduced us to the Tanooki Suit, the Frog Suit, the Hammer Bros. Suit, and a world map that felt like a grand adventure in itself. It was a quantum leap forward in
platforming design, offering a staggering variety of levels, secrets, and power-ups that kept players hooked for hours.

So, what makes Super Mario Advance 4 the underrated gem in this scenario? Well, it’s all about the upgrades. This isn’t just a straight port. Nintendo went the extra mile, infusing the classic gameplay with a fresh coat of paint and some crucial quality-of-life improvements.

Firstly, the visuals received a significant overhaul. The sprites are brighter, more detailed, and animated with a fluidity that was simply impossible on the NES. The backgrounds are richer, the music is crisp and vibrant, and the overall presentation is a joy to behold. It takes a game that was already visually impressive and elevates it to a whole new level, making it feel more akin to the later SNES era than its original 8-bit roots.

Beyond the aesthetics, Super Mario Advance 4 also introduced some welcome gameplay tweaks. The controls are tighter and more responsive, a critical factor in any precision platformer. The addition of a save feature is a game-changer, allowing players to pick up where they left off without having to rely solely on the limited continues of the original. This single feature democratizes the challenge, making it more accessible to a wider audience who might not have the luxury of dedicating entire afternoons to a single playthrough.

But the true secret weapon of Super Mario Advance 4, and arguably the reason it deserves its resurgence, lies in its e-Reader compatibility. For those who owned the original Game Boy Advance and the e-Reader peripheral, special cards could unlock entirely new levels and challenges. While the e-Reader itself is a relic of the past, the inclusion of these bonus levels within the Switch Online version is a revelation. These aren’t just minor tweaks; they are entirely new stages with unique mechanics and puzzles, offering fresh challenges even for the most seasoned Super Mario Bros. 3 veterans. It’s like discovering hidden treasures within a beloved treasure chest.

Why has it been underrated for so long? Perhaps the Super Mario Advance series itself never quite achieved the same iconic status as the mainline entries. Or maybe the overshadowed brilliance of Super Mario Bros. 3 on NES meant that its enhanced port didn’t get the fanfare it deserved at the time. Whatever the reason, its arrival on Switch Online is a chance for redemption.

For players who grew up with the original, this is a chance to revisit a cherished classic with a fresh perspective and enjoy its enhanced presentation. For newer generations of Switch owners, this is an opportunity to experience one of the most influential and joyful platformers ever created in its most polished and accessible form.

So, ditch the frantic battles in Mario Kart and the gravity-defying leaps in Odyssey for a moment. Dive into the vibrant worlds of Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3. Rediscover the magic of the Tanooki Suit, marvel at the ingenious level design, and uncover the hidden secrets that have captivated players for decades. This underrated Mario game isn’t just a port; it’s a testament to the enduring power of classic game design, and its arrival on Switch Online is a cause for genuine celebration. Bowser’s Minions, you have been warned. Your reign of frustration is about to be reignited.