Super Mario 3D All-Stars Receives Update 1.1.4 for Switch 2 Optimization

Nintendo Patches Delisted Classic for Switch 2 Performance

Nintendo has released a new software update, Version 1.1.4, for the previously delisted compilation, Super Mario 3D All-Stars. This unexpected patch is specifically aimed at improving gameplay and ensuring optimal performance of the collection on the new Nintendo Switch 2 console, which launched in June 2025.

The update confirms Nintendo’s ongoing efforts to ensure robust backward compatibility across its extensive library of first-party titles following the release of the new hardware. For owners of the compilation, which includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy, this patch guarantees a smoother experience on the latest generation console.

The Significance of Version 1.1.4

While specific, granular patch notes are often sparse for minor Nintendo updates, the core purpose of Version 1.1.4 is clear: to resolve potential compatibility or performance issues arising from the transition to the Switch 2 architecture.

Since the launch of the new console, Nintendo has been systematically rolling out similar updates across its major first-party catalog. These patches are typically necessary to address nuances in how older software interacts with the new console’s faster processing speeds, updated operating system, and potentially revised emulation layers used for backward compatibility.

Key areas where Switch 2 updates often focus include:

• Stability: Ensuring the software runs reliably under the new hardware’s clock speeds.
• Input Latency: Optimizing controller responsiveness on the new system.
• Display Compatibility: Adjusting rendering pipelines for the Switch 2’s display capabilities (if different from the original Switch).
• General Gameplay Improvements: The official description points directly to enhancing the overall gameplay experience on the new console.

This commitment to patching legacy titles is a strong signal to consumers that their existing digital and physical libraries will transition seamlessly to the Switch 2.

Context: The Limited-Time Release Factor

Super Mario 3D All-Stars holds a unique place in Nintendo’s history. It was released in September 2020 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., but was famously sold for a limited time only, with digital sales ending in March 2021.

Because the game is no longer available for purchase digitally and physical copies are highly sought after, the decision to update it years after its delisting is particularly noteworthy. It demonstrates that even titles removed from sale are still considered active parts of the Nintendo ecosystem and worthy of maintenance to support new hardware.

This move reassures the dedicated fanbase who secured the compilation during its limited window that their investment remains viable and supported on the latest platform. It also reinforces Nintendo’s reputation for prioritizing the long-term playability of its core franchises.

The Collection Includes:

• Super Mario 64 (1996)
• Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
• Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

Broader Implications for the Switch 2 Library

The update for Super Mario 3D All-Stars is not an isolated incident. It is part of a wider pattern observed since the Switch 2’s debut in June 2025. Nintendo has been systematically reviewing and updating its most popular first-party games to ensure they perform optimally on the new console.

This proactive approach is crucial for a successful hardware transition. When a new console launches with backward compatibility, the quality of the experience for legacy titles can significantly influence early adoption rates. By issuing patches like Version 1.1.4, Nintendo minimizes friction for existing Switch owners upgrading to the new system.

This strategy contrasts with hardware launches where backward compatibility is handled purely through hardware emulation without specific software optimization, which can sometimes lead to minor glitches or frame rate inconsistencies in older titles.

Key Takeaways for Owners

If you own a copy of Super Mario 3D All-Stars and have upgraded to the Switch 2, here are the essential points:

• Update Required: The new patch, Version 1.1.4, is mandatory for the best experience on the new hardware.
• Focus: The update specifically targets gameplay improvements on the Switch 2.
• Delisted Status Irrelevant: Nintendo continues to support and maintain even limited-release titles for hardware compatibility.
• Action: Ensure your Switch 2 is connected to the internet to download the update automatically or manually initiate the patch via the game’s options menu.

Conclusion

Nintendo’s release of the 1.1.4 update for Super Mario 3D All-Stars demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving its legacy and ensuring a high-quality backward compatibility experience on the Switch 2. For players who secured this classic compilation, the update means the definitive versions of these three landmark Mario titles will continue to perform flawlessly on the latest generation of Nintendo hardware, years after the game was officially removed from sale.