Calling all Paper Mario fans, rejoice! The beloved role-playing game, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, is triumphantly returning on the Nintendo Switch on May 23rd, 2024! Fans have been clamouring for a re-release of this gem for years, and Nintendo has finally delivered.  The prospect of revisiting this beloved title on a modern console with updated visuals is a dream come true for many.

A Timeless Adventure Reborn:
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door originally launched on the GameCube in 2004, quickly captivating audiences with its unique blend of paper-craft aesthetics, turn-based combat, and quirky humour. Players control Mario as he embarks on a quest to locate the Crystal Stars, encountering a colourful cast of characters and engaging in hilarious dialogue. The game's innovative gameplay mechanics, where Mario's actions and abilities are tied to his paper-like form, continue to be praised to this day.

What Makes The Thousand-Year Door Special?

So, what exactly makes The Thousand-Year Door such a beloved entry in the Paper Mario series? Here are just a few reasons why fans are so excited about its Switch release:

  • Captivating Story: The game boasts a charming and engaging narrative that takes players on a journey to uncover the secrets of the legendary Crystal Stars.
  • Unique Gameplay: The innovative blend of turn-based combat and puzzle-solving elements keeps players engaged throughout the adventure.
  • Memorable Characters: From the charismatic Mario and Luigi to the quirky cast of partners you encounter along the way, The Thousand-Year Door is brimming with unforgettable personalities.
  • Humour and Heart: The game masterfully balances lighthearted humour with heartwarming moments, creating a truly special experience.

Why the Hype?
The upcoming Switch release of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has generated significant excitement for several reasons:

  • Accessibility for a New Generation: This re-release introduces the game to a whole new generation of players who may have missed it on the GameCube. The portability and wider audience reach of the Switch make it a perfect platform to rediscover this gem.
  • Nostalgia for Longtime Fans: For those who cherished the original experience, the Switch version offers a chance to revisit a beloved childhood favourite with updated visuals (including enhanced textures) for a fresh perspective.

Will the Switch Release Affect GameCube Prices?

With the upcoming Switch release, some might wonder if the price of the original GameCube version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door will significantly drop. Here's the thing: predicting the impact on GameCube prices is a bit tricky.  While the Switch release might make the game more accessible to a wider audience, some factors could keep GameCube versions valuable:

  • Physical Collector's Market: Die-hard collectors often value owning the original version of a game, especially for beloved titles like The Thousand-Year Door.
  • Limited Availability: The GameCube version is no longer in production, and existing copies represent a finite pool.
  • However, there's also a chance that the Switch release could lead to a slight decrease in GameCube prices.  This is because some potential buyers might opt for the more readily available Switch version.

Prices for Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the GameCube peaked in October 2022 at an approximately staggering £160.  However, they have since fallen to around £100, which is still a little higher than the pre-pandemic long-term average of £80-90.

A Treasure Unearthed:
Whether you're a seasoned Paper Mario veteran or a curious newcomer, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Switch promises an unforgettable adventure. With its charming story, innovative gameplay, and timeless humour, this re-release is sure to delight players of all ages. And as for the GameCube version's price, only time will tell how the market reacts to the Switch re-release.