# TLDR Review: Super Mario Odyssey

*Published: 2025-12-18 | Updated: 2025-12-18 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/super-mario-odyssey*

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## Product: Super Mario Odyssey
**Brand:** Nintendo

## Pros
- Considered one of the best 3D Mario games, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
- Innovative Cappy capture mechanic adds fresh, unique gameplay elements by allowing Mario to take control of certain enemies.
- Diverse environments range from realistic to bizarre and imaginative, keeping exploration engaging and surprising.
- Cinematic presentation with story scenes includes unexpected twists that enhance the experience without overshadowing gameplay.
- Well-designed enemy and boss battles, capped off by a surprising and memorable final boss fight.
- Amiibo support unlocks fun costumes, though all outfits can also be earned through regular gameplay.
- Motion controls are supported but entirely optional, so players can enjoy the game with traditional button controls.
- Multiplayer mode available for local co-op or turn-based play, adding social fun without complicating the core experience.
- The game balances nostalgia with innovation, nodding to classic Mario titles without feeling stuck in the past.
- Delivers an engaging and joyful platforming adventure suitable for players of all ages.

## Cons
- Gameplay follows a familiar Mario formula that may feel predictable and somewhat formulaic to seasoned players.
- Graphics, while colorful and varied, don't fully stretch the Nintendo Switch’s capabilities compared to other titles.
- Costumes, although fun collectibles, contribute little meaningful advantage or impact on gameplay.
- The story is minimal and non-essential, serving mostly as a light framing device rather than a driving narrative.
- Despite the innovative capture mechanic, the overall gameplay largely echoes mechanics seen in previous Mario games.
- Game length can feel short, with some players reaching completion quicker than expected.
- An anticipated full remake of Mario 64 teased at the end disappoints players who hoped for a fuller comeback.
- Post-game outfits require collecting many gold coins, which may feel like a grind for completionists.

## Bottom Line

*Super Mario Odyssey - US Version* is a shining gem on the Nintendo Switch, delivering a joyful, innovative, and beautifully crafted 3D Mario adventure that both honors the franchise’s legacy and pushes it forward. While the gameplay formula may feel familiar and the graphics somewhat modest, the unique Cappy mechanic, charming worlds, and strong design make it a must-have for Mario fans and Switch owners alike. If you’re looking for a deep story or graphics that push the console to its limits, this isn’t that game—but for fun platforming and a delightful globe-trotting journey, Odyssey holds its own spectacularly.

If you want to explore similar Mario-themed adventures with a focus on expansive worlds and collectibles, you might also want to check out other Nintendo Switch platformers, though few deliver quite this blend of nostalgia and innovation.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Considered one of the best 3D Mario games, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. | Gameplay follows a familiar Mario formula that may feel predictable and somewhat formulaic to seasoned players. |
| Innovative Cappy capture mechanic adds fresh, unique gameplay elements by allowing Mario to take control of certain enemies. | Graphics, while colorful and varied, don't fully stretch the Nintendo Switch’s capabilities compared to other titles. |
| Diverse environments range from realistic to bizarre and imaginative, keeping exploration engaging and surprising. | Costumes, although fun collectibles, contribute little meaningful advantage or impact on gameplay. |
| Cinematic presentation with story scenes includes unexpected twists that enhance the experience without overshadowing gameplay. | The story is minimal and non-essential, serving mostly as a light framing device rather than a driving narrative. |
| Well-designed enemy and boss battles, capped off by a surprising and memorable final boss fight. | Despite the innovative capture mechanic, the overall gameplay largely echoes mechanics seen in previous Mario games. |
| Amiibo support unlocks fun costumes, though all outfits can also be earned through regular gameplay. | Game length can feel short, with some players reaching completion quicker than expected. |
| Motion controls are supported but entirely optional, so players can enjoy the game with traditional button controls. | An anticipated full remake of Mario 64 teased at the end disappoints players who hoped for a fuller comeback. |
| Multiplayer mode available for local co-op or turn-based play, adding social fun without complicating the core experience. | Post-game outfits require collecting many gold coins, which may feel like a grind for completionists. |
| The game balances nostalgia with innovation, nodding to classic Mario titles without feeling stuck in the past. |  |
| Delivers an engaging and joyful platforming adventure suitable for players of all ages. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Walmart | $10.00  | Check |
| My Store | $18.00  | Check |
| My Store | $18.00  | Check |
| My Store | $18.00  | Check |
| My Store | $18.00  | Check |
| My Store | $18.00  | Check |
| My Store | $18.00  | Check |
| My Store | $18.00  | Check |
| My Store | $18.00  | Check |
| My Store | $18.00  | Check |
| My Store | $18.00  | Check |
| Abtaudios | $19.80  | Check |
| My Store | $19.80  | Check |
| chalopap | $24.00  | Check |
| HatiTarget | $24.00  | Check |
| GameStop | $24.99  | Check |
| aeonlinedeals | $26.99  | Check |
| Micro Center | $27.09  | Check |
| Best Buy | $29.99  | Check |
| breckenridgefdg | $29.99  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*