SUPER MARIO RPG: THE 1996 CLASSIC, REBUILT WITH LOVE AND A STOPWATCH
8.0 of 10 bananas. Nintendo rebuilt the SNES cult classic almost beat for beat, with new art, timed hits that pay off, and an easier Breezy mode. Charming and smooth, but short, gentle, and priced like a new game for an old one.
By the Alpha. Switch cartridge listing. Updated Oct 27 2026.
Honest note: This is not a fresh hands-on playtest. I built this verdict from launch reviews, critic consensus, update history, and what is known about the game today. If I put real hours in on stream, I will update the score and say so.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch only (developed by ArtePiazza, published by Nintendo, released November 17 2023). It also runs on Switch 2. The Amazon button is the US Version Switch cartridge. At my Oct 27 2026 check it was sold by a third-party seller named BEST SOURCE 365 and shipped by Amazon, below the original 59.99 dollar price. Sellers and prices change, so look before you pay.
Get Super Mario RPG for Nintendo Switch on AmazonStore check, Oct 27 2026: new copies on offer from a third-party seller, BEST SOURCE 365, shipped by Amazon. Prices and sellers change, so look before you pay.
Sit with me a moment. In 1996 the troop rented a grey cartridge where Mario talked through a puppet, a cloud boy cried rain, and Bowser joined your party. We did not know the word RPG yet. We just knew that pressing A at the right moment made the hit land harder. Nintendo finally rebuilt that cartridge for the Switch.
What It Wants To Be
Super Mario RPG is a faithful remake of the 1996 Square and Nintendo role-playing game. Mario, Mallow, Geno, Bowser, and Peach chase the Smithy Gang across the Mushroom Kingdom in turn-based fights where pressing the button at the right moment boosts attacks and blocks hits. The remake keeps the story, maps, and music, then adds new 3D art, a rearranged soundtrack you can swap for the original, team-up Triple Moves, a Breezy difficulty for new players, and boss rematches after the credits.
What Works
Critics were warm. It sits around the low 80s on Metacritic, and the praise lines up: the remake respects the original almost to the frame, the new visuals look like a toy box come to life, and the timed hit system now flashes feedback so you actually learn it. Chain bonuses for perfect timing reward attention without punishing beginners. The writing is still funny, and Geno and Mallow still steal the show.
What Breaks
Listen well. This is a short game. Most players see the credits in roughly 10 to 15 hours, and the post-game adds rematches, not a new chapter. It is also easy; veterans may never feel danger outside the rematches. It launched at full price for a remake of a 30 year old game with very little new content, which is why a fair third-party price matters here.
Who Should Play
Play it if you have a young ape ready for a first RPG, if you grew up on the SNES original, or if Paper Mario charmed you and you want the game that started that family. Skip it if you want a long, deep, hard RPG; this is a weekend of joy, not a season.
STRENGTHS
- Faithful to the 1996 classic
- Timed hits finally taught well
- Gorgeous toy box art
- Breezy mode for beginners
HONEST COSTS
- Short, about 10 to 15 hours
- Easy for veterans
- Little truly new content
- Third-party seller at my check
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