Why Mario & Luigi: Brothership Could Thrive Amidst Tough Competition

During Nintendo’s recent Direct showcase, the company officially unveiled Mario&Luigi: Brothership, marking the long-awaited return of the beloved Mario & Luigi series. This is the first entirely new game in the turn-based RPG franchise since 2016’s Paper Jam, and it aims to join an impressive lineup of late-cycle Nintendo Switch titles as the company prepares for its next console.

Launching in a year filled with RPG releases, especially turn-based titles, some may be concerned about Mario&Luigi: Brothership’s potential to stand out, especially with its high-profile November release. However, Nintendo has positioned the game for success, and it’s likely that Mario & Luigi: Brothership will perform exceptionally well this holiday season.

Why Mario & Luigi: Brothership Is Set to Succeed for Nintendo This Year

One of the biggest factors in favor of Mario & Luigi: Brothership is its revival of a franchise many thought was long gone. While this is the first original entry since 2016, it’s also the first Mario & Luigi game since the 2019 remake of Bowser’s Inside Story, which unfortunately became one of the lowest-selling Mario games ever. The poor performance of that remake led to the closure of the series' developer, AlphaDream.

With AlphaDream shuttered, fans assumed the Mario & Luigi franchise was dead. That’s why the return of the series in Brothership is such a welcome surprise, especially as it’s the first time the once handheld-exclusive series is releasing on a home console. Combine this with the massive install base of the Nintendo Switch, and it’s clear that this new title is an exciting prospect for fans who’ve been waiting for the franchise’s revival.

The Star Power of Mario & Luigi

A key strength of Mario & Luigi: Brothership lies in the power of the Mario brand. The Mario franchise isn’t just Nintendo’s flagship IP—it’s one of the biggest gaming franchises globally, with massive appeal across all demographics. Throughout the Switch’s lifecycle, titles from Mario’s many sub-franchises have consistently performed remarkably well.

For example, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling game on the Switch, and this generation has seen record-breaking sales for 3D Super Mario games, Mario Party, and Luigi’s Mansion. With over 265 million copies sold, Mario remains the highest-selling franchise on the Switch, eclipsing other heavy hitters like Pokémon by a significant margin. The enduring popularity of Mario on the Switch ensures there’s a built-in audience eager for Mario& Luigi: Brothership.

The Resurgence of Mario RPGs

Another reason to be optimistic about Brothership is the growing popularity of Mario RPGs on the Switch. Recent remakes like Super Mario RPG have already outperformed their original releases, and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is rapidly closing in on the sales of its original GameCube version. The demand for Mario RPGs on the Switch is undeniable, and after two successful remakes, Mario & Luigi: Brothership—an entirely new entry in the series—is perfectly timed to capitalize on this resurgence.

Sure, Brothership will face tough competition in the RPG space during the holiday season, but Nintendo has been here before. Last year, Super Mario RPG thrived despite a crowded market, and there’s every reason to believe Mario & Luigi: Brothership will do the same. With its powerful brand, strong fanbase, and a resurgence in demand for Mario RPGs, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is poised to be another major success for the Nintendo Switch when it launches later this year.