The theories for Super Mario Galaxy 3 stem from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope’s final battle where the player can finally take the fight to Cursa. While fans were anticipating that either of the Super Mario Galaxy games might influence Sparks of Hope, it was previously unclear to what extent this would be. However, as the final battle sees players returning to the Comet Observatory to save Rosalina and the Sparks, it seems that Sparks of Hope had a far more involved relationship with the Super Mario Galaxy series than first thought, leading many to suspect that Nintendo is testing the waters its own official revival.
RELATED: Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope DLC Should Lead to a New Rayman Game
Where Super Mario Galaxy Left Off
Rosalina, the Lumas, and the Comet Observatory were all first introduced in Super Mario Galaxy in 2007, all part of a game that revolutionized the Super Mario series with its unique gravity mechanics and creative new content. The game was highly successful and popular, even prompting Nintendo to follow it up with Super Mario Galaxy 2, which expanded the series to include Yoshi within the Galaxy universe. Despite a significant change in design, including Rosalina and the Comet Observatory being absent until the game’s end, Super Mario Galaxy 2 was just as well received.
But with the Wii on its way out and the Switch leading Nintendo’s creative direction, games like Super Mario Galaxy which had been developed exclusively for the Wii seemed to be phased out and replaced with the equally successful Super Mario Odyssey. Super Mario Galaxy would return, however, as part of Super Mario’s 35th anniversary celebration with Super Mario 3D All-Stars. While nothing was changed about the game itself and its sequel not included, Super Mario 3D All-Stars demonstrated how well Super Mario Galaxy could work on the Switch, prompting renewed calls from fans for Super Mario Galaxy 3.
Super Mario Galaxy 3 On The Event Horizon
Beyond appearances in games such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe among other cameos, the likes of the Comet Observatory, Lumas, or Rosalina haven’t had a significant role since Super Mario Galaxy. Their reappearance in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope has shown fans of the Super Mario Galaxy series that these characters, settings, and ideas aren’t artifacts of history just yet. Many suggest that out of all the directions Mario + Rabbids could have gone, choosing to involve Super Mario Galaxy canon proves both its lasting popularity and potential.
But likelihood of a future Super Mario Galaxy 3 is currently just speculative, fueled by online communities of fans still hoping for a return to the stars with Mario. After all, Super Mario Galaxy 2 was already underway with the working title Super Mario Galaxy More, yet no such talk about a third game following Super Mario Galaxy 2 has ever come to light. While this suggests Nintendo could have shelved the idea in favor of new ideas for the Switch, between Super Mario 3D All-Stars and the Switch’s age, fans believe it’s time to revisit Super Mario Galaxy and round out the trilogy.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is available for the Nintendo Switch.
MORE: Splatoon 3 is an Odd Love Letter to Super Mario Sunshine, Galaxy
