Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a 2017 platform video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the eighth main 3D entry in the Super Mario series and represents a bold return to the open-ended sandbox style of Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Praised as one of the greatest platformers ever made, the game introduces the revolutionary “Capture” mechanic, allowing Mario to temporarily possess enemies, objects, and even bosses using his new ally Cappy — a sentient hat spirit. With vibrant, imaginative kingdoms, precise controls, and endless creativity, Super Mario Odyssey blends classic Mario platforming with modern open-world exploration.

The story follows Mario as he pursues Bowser, who has kidnapped Princess Peach and plans a forced wedding across the globe. After a dramatic opening battle leaves Mario hatless and stranded, he meets Cappy — a ghost-like inhabitant of the Cap Kingdom whose body was taken by Bowser. The two form an unlikely partnership and travel the world aboard the hat-shaped airship Odyssey, visiting wildly diverse kingdoms to collect Power Moons that power their ship and ultimately stop Bowser’s chaotic wedding plans. Along the way, they encounter quirky locals, hidden secrets, and heartfelt moments that capture the whimsical spirit of the Mario universe.

Gameplay

Super Mario Odyssey is played from a third-person perspective in large, non-linear kingdoms that function as expansive playgrounds. Mario’s classic moveset — running, jumping, triple-jumping, and ground-pounding — is enhanced by Cappy, who can be thrown to stun enemies, activate switches, or perform a spin attack. The game’s signature innovation is Capture: by tossing Cappy onto certain enemies or objects, Mario can possess and control them, each offering unique abilities (for example, a frog for high jumps, a T-Rex for smashing, a tank for firepower, or even a pile of goo). This mechanic transforms every kingdom into a playground of possibilities.

There are 15 main kingdoms plus post-game content, each with its own theme, inhabitants, currency (Purple Coins), and hundreds of collectibles. Players gather Power Moons (over 880 in total) to progress the story and unlock new areas, outfits, and challenges. Additional features include:

• Checkpoint flags for fast travel
• 2D “flat” sections reminiscent of classic side-scrollers
• Mini-games, boss battles, and hidden moons that reward exploration
• Co-op mode where a second player controls Cappy independently
• Post-game content with even tougher challenges and secret kingdoms

The game supports handheld, tabletop, and TV modes on Switch, with motion controls for precise hat throws.

Development and Legacy

Development began shortly after Super Mario 3D World (2013) under Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development division. Directed by Kenta Motokura with producer Yoshiaki Koizumi and supervision by Shigeru Miyamoto, the team aimed to create a true sandbox 3D Mario experience that felt fresh yet faithful to the series’ roots. The Capture mechanic emerged as the core idea after extensive experimentation with motion controls and the Switch’s hybrid nature. The soundtrack, composed by Naoto Kubo, Shiho Fujii, and Koji Kondo, mixes orchestral pieces with jazzy, upbeat tracks that perfectly match each kingdom’s atmosphere.

Upon its release on October 27, 2017, Super Mario Odyssey received universal acclaim and became one of the Nintendo Switch’s flagship titles. It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and frequently appears on “greatest games of all time” lists for its creativity, level design, and joyful gameplay. The game remains a benchmark for 3D platformers and continues to be played on both original Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 hardware via backward compatibility with enhanced performance options.

Key Features:

• Capture Mechanic — Throw Cappy to possess over 50 different enemies and objects for brand-new abilities and puzzle-solving.
• Open Sandbox Kingdoms — 15+ richly detailed worlds filled with secrets, side content, and endless replayability.
• Power Moon Collecting — Over 880 moons to find, each unlocking new paths, costumes, and challenges.
• Creative Exploration — From dinosaur riding in the Cascade Kingdom to city life in the Metro Kingdom and beyond.
• Iconic Presentation — Stunning visuals, memorable soundtrack, and charming character designs.
• Family-Friendly Fun — Accessible for all ages with assist modes and co-op support.

Release Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch — October 27, 2017 (worldwide launch)
• Nintendo Switch 2 — Playable via backward compatibility with performance enhancements (2025–2026 updates)