Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door — Everything We Know

The Nintendo Direct Showcase that took place on September 14, 2023, was not a light one. Aside from a slew of new announcements, we also got a pleasant surprise with a couple of remakes. The first remake announced was Mario vs. Donkey Kong, which you can read all about here. Second to that, and consequently what brings us here today, is the remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the Nintendo Switch. If the mere mention of that game makes your heart skip a beat, then keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the upcoming remake below.

What is Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door?

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door was originally released in 2004 for the Nintendo Game Cube as a sequel to the original Paper Mario. While the original title kickstarted the new turn-based RPG series, it was the sequel, The Thousand-Year Door, that really stole the hearts of gamers. In fact, fans have been pleading with Nintendo to get a remake for years now.

Well, it appears that fans' hard work has paid off because the Nintendo Switch remake is finally coming to fruition. From what we can gather so far, this is a direct remake of the turn-based RPG title. As a result, aside from graphical improvements, the contents of the game will remain entirely the same.

Story

Because Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a direct remake for the Nintendo Switch, the story will remain the same. Essentially, it all begins when Peach invites Mario to join her on a quest for a magical treasure. However, before Mario arrives, Peach is kidnapped by the enigmatic alien race known as the X-Nauts. Oh, and Bowser is also on the hunt for this treasure, so keep an eye out for him.

Nonetheless, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door provides another priceless story that finds our Italian plumber coming in to save our beloved Princess Peach once again. Even if you've played the original, this is a story worth revisiting. If, on the other hand, this is your first time, you're in for a treat.

Gameplay

What distinguishes Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door from other games in the iconic characters series is that the world is 3D while the characters are 2D. This allows for some novel gameplay elements that we haven't seen in a Mario game before. However, its uniqueness is precisely why its gameplay has left gamers with such fond memories.

Nonetheless, this game is a turn-based RPG at its core. So, when it comes time to combat, the game transitions to a battle screen. In this screen, you'll be accompanied by one of your AI party members. You can then select an action for Mario and his partner, such as attacking, using an item, or switching partners.

Aside from the turn-based gameplay, there is the standard world exploration in Mario games, which always appears simple but is far more complex than you think. As you travel through the open world, you'll encounter a variety of environments, puzzles, and unique gameplay elements; it's just the Mario way. In fact, we prefer this section of the game over the turn-based combat because it constantly presents us with new challenges to overcome – it's what we know and love about the Mario series, and it has a lot to do with the success of this particular title. Fortunately, because it is a direct remake, you can expect the gameplay to be just as good, if not better.

Development

Of course, Nintendo is in charge of the Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Switch remake; not that anyone else would be, but it's reassuring to know that the game is in good hands and that there are no outside influences that will change the flow or playstyle of the remake. Sure, updated graphics would be welcome, as the Nintendo Switch is a significant step up from the Game Cube. However, while still retaining the cardboard and paper aesthetic that is so visually pleasing and a staple of this game.

Trailer

The announcement trailer for Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, which we've embedded above, was shown at the Nintendo Direct showcase. We can't find any changes to gameplay in the trailer, as everything appears to be a carbon copy of the original – which is good because that's what the people want. Nonetheless, take a look for yourself and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Although we didn't get a release date for Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, we did get a release window of 2024. Furthermore, as is customary for a Nintendo title, and given that this is a remake for Switch, this game will be released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. Apart from that, we are unaware of any game editions. However, you do have to wonder if this game will be a day-one title for Nintendo Online subscribers. Although this is purely speculation, it would be a welcome surprise and one we hope for.

Aside from that, that's all we know about The Thousnad-Year Door remake. Nonetheless, stay tuned to Gaming.Net as we'll keep you updated on any news when it sheds. Aside from that, take a look at these other Mario titles to keep you entertained in the meantime.

So, what's your take? Are you excited about Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!