M Alzamora 
Fans who pre-ordered Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door may be getting a cancellation and refund ahead of the game’s release and it’s unclear why.
Originally released for the GameCube in 2004, Nintendo announced in 2023 the revival of the fan-favorite game on the Switch. Early reviewers have praised new colorful visuals and faithfulness to the originals. Though it was believed to be a simple HD remaster, the game is set to add quality-of-life improvements that push it into remake territory.
While there’s plenty of excitement regarding the game, it seems like not everyone who pre-ordered physical copies will be able to get them. This could be a worrying sign for fans regarding Nintendo’s plans for the final year of the Switch, and maybe beyond.
What’s going on with Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door pre-orders?
Fans who pre-ordered Paper Mario: TTYD from Amazon and Walmart are having their orders canceled.
Walmart in particular is offering a $25 credit toward a future purchase, and the store currently shows the Switch game being out of stock. Though the exact reason for the pre-order cancellations isn’t specified, the most likely explanation is a low physical stock of Paper Mario: TTYD. This could be designed as a way to push players to buy digital copies, or a sign that Nintendo isn’t expecting the game to sell well.
Walmart was reportedly moving away from physical games, though this was mainly set to impact Xbox games and accessories. As of writing, pre-ordering is still available through Target, Best Buy, GameStop, and QVC.
Nintendo has had limited physical releases in the past. Mario 3D All-Stars on the Nintendo Switch and Fire Emblem Awakening for the 3DS were both infamously hard to come by, with the former now being a collector’s item.
Should I buy Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door?
Fans wanting a physical copy of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door may want to ensure that they can get one given the pre-order cancelations. While it’s unclear how good the Switch version of the game is, cartridges may be in very short supply. With the Switch’s lifespan nearing its end, a second run may not happen.
Expectations for the game’s quality are high. The game is regarded by many as the single best Super Mario game, and the Switch version is positioned to expand on the original.
Paper Mario: TTYD’s story on the Switch will be the same as on the GameCube, though there are minor gameplay and character improvements. Nintendo may have gone the extra mile for the game, given the long-standing demand for a remake.
New features in the Switch version include the “Partner Ring” to cycle through companions more easily, additional NPCs like Rogueport’s Battle Master toad, and the Art and Sound Gallery to be unlocked by collecting Shine Sprites and Star Pieces. The original gameplay mechanics of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remain intact.
Despite the issues with pre-orders, fans will be able to play the digital or physical Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remains positioned to arrive on its previously revealed release date.
