The Success of ‘The Thousand-Year Door’ Remake Paves the Way

In recent years, Nintendo has shown a clear appreciation for its rich history by re-releasing beloved classics for a new generation of players. The 2024 remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the Nintendo Switch was a monumental success, both critically and commercially. It sold over 2 million copies within a year of its release, showcasing a strong demand for the series’ original, beloved RPG formula. The remake was praised for its stunning graphical overhaul, quality-of-life improvements, and a masterful preservation of the original’s charm and wit. This overwhelming reception proves one thing: it is now the perfect time for Nintendo to give the same treatment to the game that started it all—the original Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64.

The original Paper Mario, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, remains a shining example of a top-tier role-playing game. While it is currently available on the Nintendo Switch Online service, a full-scale remake would be a far more impactful experience. The success of the Super Mario RPG remake and The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch 2, which launched in June 2025, solidifies the business case for such a project. With a larger install base and a newfound appreciation for turn-based combat, a Paper Mario remake is not only a fantastic idea for fans but also a smart move for Nintendo’s bottom line.

A Story and World Ripe for Modernization

What makes the original Paper Mario so special is its commitment to world-building and character. While the premise is a simple “save the princess” affair, the journey is anything but. The game breathes new life into the Mushroom Kingdom, turning familiar faces into multi-dimensional characters. Toad Town, the game’s hub, is a bustling, living community where every NPC has a unique personality and changing dialogue that reflects the progress of Mario’s quest. A modern remake could expand on this, with more side quests, deeper character interactions, and a visually breathtaking overhaul of the iconic papercraft aesthetic that is now a series staple. The game’s unique art style, which was revolutionary for its time, would be a perfect fit for a modern remake, rendered in a crisp, high-definition style that would make every fold and crease of the paper world pop.

The game’s narrative is another area where a remake could shine. The story, which sees Mario collecting the Star Spirits to defeat Bowser, features some of the most memorable moments in the franchise’s history. From the mystery of the murder on Penguin Island to the dramatic battle with the Crystal King, the game is full of charm, humor, and genuine emotion. A modern remake could enhance these moments with fully voiced dialogue for key characters, more expressive animations, and a remastered soundtrack that would elevate an already beautiful score. The game’s partner system, which introduced characters like Goombario, Kooper, and Bombette, could also be expanded upon. These characters were the heart of the original game, and a remake could give them more screen time and perhaps even their own side stories, further fleshing out the world and making the journey even more personal.

Combat and Gameplay: Enhancing a Timeless System

The combat system in the original Paper Mario is a turn-based masterpiece. It introduced action commands and a partner system that made every battle feel interactive and strategic. A remake wouldn’t need to reinvent the wheel, but it could introduce a variety of quality-of-life improvements to make the experience even smoother. Imagine a system where you could fast-forward through enemy turns, skip repeated dialogue in battle, or a more streamlined menu for badges and items. The remake of The Thousand-Year Door showed how these small changes can make a huge difference in the overall enjoyment of the game. A remake could also introduce new badges, enemies, and even optional post-game content that would give veterans of the series a fresh challenge. It could also make the game more accessible by adding an optional “hint system” for puzzles or a “help” function for action commands, similar to what was done in Super Mario RPG.

With the recent release of the Nintendo Switch 2, the original Paper Mario is the ideal candidate for a full-scale remake. The game’s success would be practically guaranteed, given the recent trend of Nintendo remakes and the proven popularity of the series’ classic RPG style. It’s an opportunity to reintroduce one of the greatest games of the Nintendo 64 era to a new audience, while also giving longtime fans the definitive version of a timeless classic. The original Paper Mario is more than just a game; it’s a masterpiece of character, charm, and innovative design. It’s time for this paper-thin hero to once again take center stage and show the world why he remains a legend.