‘Super Mario Sunshine’ Comes To Switch 2, And It’s Good News, Sort Of

August 14, 2026 - 22:48

Nintendo has finally brought Super Mario Sunshine to the Switch 2, and for fans of the GameCube classic, it is a bit of a mixed bag. The game is part of the expanded library for the new console, and on the surface, it is the same vibrant, tropical adventure that players remember from 2002. Mario still uses his trusty FLUDD device to spray water, hover across gaps, and clean up the mess left by the mysterious Shadow Mario on Isle Delfino.

The good news is that the game is playable from start to finish, with all the original levels, voice acting, and that unmistakable soundtrack intact. The resolution has been bumped up, and the colors pop nicely on a modern screen. However, the bad news is that this version runs through an emulator, and that introduces a noticeable amount of input lag. For a game that relies on precise platforming and quick water-jet aiming, even a slight delay can be frustrating. Jumping across narrow ledges or timing a hover boost feels less responsive than on original hardware.

It is not a dealbreaker for casual players who just want to revisit the sunny beaches and secret levels. But for those who grew up with the GameCube version, the difference is tangible. Nintendo has not yet commented on whether a native port is in the works. For now, this is the only way to play Sunshine on the Switch 2, and it is a decent option, just not the perfect one that fans were hoping for.