The Super Mario franchise, a cornerstone of Nintendo's legacy, is known for its whimsical and engaging gameplay. Over its 35-year history, the series has included a plethora of hidden treasures and references, some of which are particularly unusual due to their unexpected nature or seeming disconnect from the rest of the game.
1. Mario's Wardrobe in Super Mario Odyssey
In "Super Mario Odyssey," a groundbreaking installment for the Nintendo Switch released in 2017, Mario's new abilities are showcased. Players are delighted by Mario's ability to transform into various enemies using Cappy. An intriguing aspect is Mario's varied wardrobe, with some outfits, like the Japanese Noble and Samurai Wear, first appearing in a 2016 Club Nintendo reward, a desk calendar.
The Uniqueness of Outfits
These outfits are not just visual elements; they represent a deeper connection to Nintendo's creative history, showing the company's penchant for intertwining various aspects of its culture and gaming lore.
2. Sirena Beach in Super Mario Sunshine
"Super Mario Sunshine," launched for the GameCube in 2002, introduced players to Sirena Beach, a location with a unique design. The arrangement of pools and huts mirrors a GameCube controller, and the hotel resembles the console itself. This clever design choice reflects Nintendo's attention to detail and love for Easter eggs.
Symbolism in Design
This easter egg is a tribute to the GameCube and demonstrates the developers' ingenuity in integrating console elements into the game world creatively.