For years, the Nintendo Switch Online service has been a treasure trove for retro gaming enthusiasts. From the SNES’s iconic adventures to the N64’s groundbreaking 3D worlds, a steady stream of classics has found a new lease on life. Yet, amidst the fan-favorite franchises and readily anticipated sequels, a true gem has often been overlooked. Until now.

That’s right, the whispers are true, and the digital shelves have finally been stocked: Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 has officially landed on Nintendo Switch Online. And for anyone who has ever considered themselves a Mario aficionado, this is an event that deserves a standing ovation.

Now, before the purists chime in with the original Super Mario Bros. 3 on NES, let’s be clear. While that game is undeniably a masterpiece, Super Mario Advance 4 is more than just a port. It’s an enhanced, refined, and surprisingly robust package that elevates an already legendary experience into something even more special.

What Makes Super Mario Advance 4 So Special?

Originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2003, Super Mario Advance 4 wasn’t just a simple NES emulator. It was a thoughtful reimagining that brought a beloved game into the modern era (of the early 2000s, anyway). Here’s why it was, and still is, so damn good:

The Original Masterpiece, Enhanced: At its core, this is still the unparalleled Super Mario Bros. 3 that redefined platforming. The tight controls, the inventive level design, the unforgettable power-ups (Leaf Suit, Tanooki Suit, Frog Suit – the gang’s all here!), and the sheer joy of exploration remain intact. But Nintendo didn’t stop there.
Visual Polish: The GBA’s richer color palette brought the vibrant world of Super Mario Bros. 3 to life in a way that the NES simply couldn’t. Sprites were redrawn with more detail, backgrounds were more vivid, and the overall presentation felt more polished and inviting. A New Way to Play (Sort Of): The most significant addition, and perhaps the reason it’s often overlooked, was the integration of the e-Reader. While the e-Reader functionality is largely absent on Switch (due to obvious hardware differences), the game itself was built with it in mind. This meant that certain levels and challenges were originally unlocked via separate e-Reader cards. On Switch, many of these “bonus” levels are accessible from the start, offering a wealth of additional content for players to discover. We’re talking about entirely new stages, unique challenges, and even remixed versions of existing levels. It essentially adds a whole second layer of Super Mario Bros. 3 to explore.
Luigi Steps In: For the first time in a Super Mario Bros. 3 release, players could choose to play as Luigi, complete with his distinct floatier jump and slightly different physics. This added a subtle but appreciated layer of replayability and a fresh perspective on the familiar stages.
The Joy of Cooperative Chaos: Just like its predecessors, Super Mario Advance 4 offers simultaneous multiplayer. While it can lead to some hilarious (and sometimes frustrating) competition for coins and power-ups, it’s a fantastic way to revisit this classic with a friend.

Why the Underrated Label?

So, if it’s so great, why has Super Mario Advance 4 been on the “underrated” list for so long? Several factors likely contributed:

The Shadow of the Original: The NES Super Mario Bros. 3 is a cultural icon. It’s hard for any re-release, no matter how good, to escape that monumental shadow.
GBA to Wii U Virtual Console: While it did receive a Virtual Console release on the Wii U, the GBA library on that platform wasn’t as extensive or as widely played as some other Nintendo consoles. The e-Reader Factor: As mentioned, the e-Reader’s unique
integration might have made it seem like a niche or incomplete experience for those who didn’t understand its context.

A Second Chance to Shine on Switch

Now, with its arrival on Nintendo Switch Online, Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 has the opportunity to finally get the recognition it deserves. It’s a perfect entry point for newcomers who want to experience one of the most influential games in history, and a delightful rediscovery for those who remember its GBA glory.

The added bonus levels, the refined visuals, and the sheer quality of the core game make this a standout addition to the Switch Online library. It’s not just another nostalgia trip; it’s a testament to the enduring brilliance of Mario and a reminder that sometimes, the most exciting discoveries are hidden in plain sight.

So, if you’re a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, do yourself a favor. Fire up the service, navigate to the GBA section, and dive into Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3. You might just find that this “underrated” game is the next big obsession on your Switch. It’s a star that’s been waiting in the wings for far too long, and it’s finally ready to take center stage.