Sunshine on Switch 2: Is the NSO Version Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether the Nintendo Switch Online version of Sunshine is worth your time, the short answer is: yes, if you want a convenient, legal way to replay a classic 3D platformer—but be ready for dated controls and no new content. This article explains what the NSO version includes, how it compares to the original GameCube release and the 3D All-Stars port, and who should (and shouldn’t) subscribe just for this game.

Background: What Is Sunshine and Why Is It on Switch 2?

Super Mario Sunshine originally launched for the Nintendo GameCube in 2002. It was the second 3D Mario platformer after Super Mario 64, and it introduced a tropical setting, a water-powered jetpack (FLUDD), and a focus on cleaning up Isle Delfino’s gooey mess. The game was divisive at launch—some loved its unique mechanics, others found the camera and the lack of traditional power-ups frustrating. Over time, it has gained a cult following.

In 2020, Nintendo included Sunshine in Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a limited-time collection for the original Switch. That version offered higher resolution and a few control tweaks. Now, with the Switch 2, Nintendo has added Sunshine to the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) Expansion Pack—the same subscription tier that already includes N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games. This is the first time Sunshine is available on a modern console outside of that 2020 collection.

How the NSO Version Works

On Switch 2, Sunshine is available through the NSO app titled “Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.� You download the app, then download Sunshine from within it. The game runs in a emulator that adds several features:

• Rewind: Hold down a button to rewind up to 30 seconds of gameplay. This is a lifesaver for tricky platforming sections.
• Save states: You can save anywhere, at any time, and create multiple slots. This effectively removes the old “save only at certain pointsâ€� limitation.
• Button remapping: You can change the controller layout, which helps with the camera controls.
• Filter options: You can choose between a “CRTâ€� filter or a “pixelâ€� filter, though these are subtle on a modern TV.

These features are the main reason the NSO version is worth considering for casual players. They make the game far more forgiving than the original. However, the emulation itself is not perfect—you may notice occasional frame drops or audio glitches, but they are rare and not game-breaking.

Comparing to the Original and 3D All-Stars

If you already own Super Mario 3D All-Stars on the original Switch, you might wonder if this NSO version is an upgrade. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Resolution: 3D All-Stars runs at 1080p when docked on the original Switch. The NSO version on Switch 2 is also 1080p, but it may look slightly sharper due to the system’s upscaling. No major difference.
• Performance: Both versions target 30 frames per second. The NSO version has occasional dips, but so did the original. 3D All-Stars is generally more stable.
• Extras: 3D All-Stars includes a music player with 175 tracks. The NSO version has no such extras—just the base game.
• Price: 3D All-Stars was a one-time purchase (if you can find it). NSO requires a recurring subscription. Over time, the subscription costs more than the one-time purchase.

So, if you already own 3D All-Stars, there is little reason to switch. If you don’t, the NSO version is the cheapest legal way to play Sunshine, provided you already have the Expansion Pack for other games.

Cost and Value: Is the Subscription Worth It?

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack costs $49.99 per year for an individual membership (as of 2025). That price includes access to N64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance, and now GameCube games (Sunshine is the first GameCube title, with more expected later). If you already subscribe for N64 or GBA games, Sunshine is a free addition—so it’s absolutely worth trying.

If you’re considering subscribing just for Sunshine, you need to think about how much you’ll play. A typical playthrough of Sunshine takes 15–25 hours. At $50/year, that’s about $2–$3 per hour of entertainment, which is comparable to renting a game. But if you only play for a few hours and drop it, the cost per hour jumps. The calculator above lets you estimate your own cost per hour based on your playtime and subscription length.

Common Problems and How to Deal With Them

Players have reported a few issues with the NSO version. Here are the most common and what you can do:

• Camera controls: The camera is still the original’s awkward “tankâ€� controls. You can remap buttons, but you can’t fix the underlying camera logic. Use the rewind feature when you fall off a ledge due to a camera angle.
• Frame rate drops: Some areas, especially the hotel level, may dip below 30 fps. This is a known emulation issue. You can try turning off the CRT filter, but it won’t always help.
• Audio crackling: Occasionally, the music may crackle. This is rare and usually fixed by restarting the app.
• No cloud saves: Sunshine saves are stored locally on your console. If you lose your Switch 2, you lose your progress. There is no cloud save for NSO games.

If you encounter a persistent bug, check for system updates or restart the app. Most issues are minor and don’t ruin the experience.

Who Should Play It (and Who Should Skip)

Sunshine is not for everyone. Here’s a quick guide:

• Play it if: You love 3D platformers, you’re a Mario completionist, or you want to experience a unique piece of gaming history with modern conveniences like rewind and save states.
• Skip it if: You hate frustrating camera controls, you prefer the tight level design of Super Mario 64 or Odyssey, or you’re only interested in modern Mario games. Sunshine’s mission structure is also more linear than 64’s, which some find limiting.

If you’re on the fence, the rewind feature alone makes it worth a try. It eliminates the most frustrating parts of the original, like the infamous “Corona Mountain� level.

Alternatives to the NSO Version

If you don’t want to subscribe, you have a few other options:

• GameCube disc + Wii/Wii U: The original disc works on a Wii or Wii U (in Wii mode). This is the purest experience, but you need the hardware and the disc, which can be expensive.
• Super Mario 3D All-Stars: If you can find a physical copy or have it downloaded, this is the best version for most players—it’s a one-time purchase with no subscription.
• Emulation on PC: Dolphin emulator runs Sunshine very well, with higher resolutions and mods. This is legal only if you own a copy of the game you ripped yourself.

Each has trade-offs in cost, legality, and convenience. The NSO version is the most convenient and legal, but the subscription fee adds up over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Sunshine on Switch 2 without the Expansion Pack?
No. Sunshine is only available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier. The base NSO tier does not include GameCube games.

Does the NSO version have any new content?
No. It’s the original game with no new levels, characters, or modes. The only additions are the emulator features like rewind and save states.

Is the NSO version the same as the 3D All-Stars version?
Not exactly. The 3D All-Stars version has a music player and slightly better performance. The NSO version has rewind and save states, but no extras.

How long is Sunshine?
A typical playthrough takes 15–25 hours, depending on how many shines you collect. Getting all 120 shines can take 30+ hours.

Can I use my GameCube controller?
On Switch 2, you can use the Switch 2 Pro Controller, Joy-Cons, or any controller that works with the system. There is no native GameCube controller support, but you can use a USB adapter if you have one.

Will more GameCube games come to NSO?
Nintendo has not announced any specific titles, but Sunshine is the first, and it’s likely more will follow. The emulator is already built, so adding more games is relatively easy for Nintendo.

Related

• Time Wasted on Destiny? Fate vs. Action
• Volcanic Ash Home Protection: Sealing & Air Filtration
• iPhone 11 Peak Performance: Why It’s Missing

in t | Time to beat (hours) | h | 15 | 0
in d | Days you plan to play | days | 30 | 1
out cost | Cost per hour | $/h | (50 / t) / d | 2
out total | Total cost | $ | 50 | 2