Super Mario Odyssey Easter Eggs You Might Have Missed

Super Mario Odyssey, one of the most beloved installments in the Super Mario franchise, is not only a platforming masterpiece but also a treasure trove of Easter eggs and hidden secrets. These little nods to the vast history of Mario and other Nintendo games offer players the joy of discovery and highlight the developers’ attention to detail. For fans eager to delve deeper into the world of Super Mario Odyssey, here are some Easter eggs you might have missed, structured for an engaging and enlightening reading experience.

1. 8-Bit Classic Homage

Super Mario Odyssey delightfully incorporates 2D segments reminiscent of the original Super Mario Bros. As players adventure through kingdoms, they encounter pixelated pipes that transport Mario into nostalgic side-scrolling challenges. In these segments, enthusiasts can spot subtle references like the original 1-1 World music and pixel-art renditions of new enemies, blending old-school aesthetics with modern gameplay seamlessly.

2. Luigi’s Cameo

Although Luigi isn’t a playable character in the main storyline, he makes a delightful appearance during certain events. After completing the game, players can participate in Luigi’s Balloon World, an online mini-game that adds a competitive edge to the adventure. Moreover, Luigi-themed costumes are available, allowing Mario to don his iconic brother’s look. This playful tribute is a nod to their enduring sibling bond throughout Mario’s adventures.

3. The Pauline Connection

Pauline, Mario’s original love interest from Donkey Kong, plays a significant role in New Donk City as its esteemed mayor. The city itself is peppered with references to Donkey Kong, from street names to a blocky structure resembling the game’s iconic girders. Additionally, during the game’s festival sequence, players are treated to an unforgettable 2D level culminating in a showdown with a giant DK structure, a nostalgic throwback sure to delight long-time fans.

4. Nods to Nintendo’s Heritage

Throughout Odyssey’s various kingdoms, observant players can find nods to Nintendo’s extensive history. For instance, in the Fossil Falls kingdom, the background music features motifs from the NES game, Super Mario World. Meanwhile, in the wooded kingdom, sharp-eared players might catch melodies echoing the tunes of Pikmin, a subtle tribute to another beloved Nintendo franchise.

5. The Unseen Master Quest

Super Mario Odyssey’s post-game mechanics introduce an added layer of challenge. After defeating Bowser, Mushroom Kingdom is unlocked, and players encounter Toadette who provides achievements based on milestones. These achievements offer a journey down memory lane with tasks inspired by past Mario games, essentially transforming Mushroom Kingdom into a giant Easter egg itself.

6. Secret Paintings

Scattered across the kingdoms are secret paintings acting as portals, reminiscent of those in Super Mario 64. Upon interacting with these hidden artworks, players are magically transported to new areas, often holding Power Moons or coins, cleverly continuing the longstanding tradition of mysterious painting portals that fans adore.

7. A Sunshine Reference

Fans of Super Mario Sunshine will appreciate the subtle nod to the GameCube classic in the Seaside Kingdom. Mario can find a Paleer Tannen, an object that strongly resembles the Shine Sprites of Isle Delfino. This hidden detail is a heartwarming homage for those who hold Sunshine dear.

8. A Mixture of Old and New

The Cap Kingdom is filled with top-hat shaped buildings, hinting at Mario’s new ability to control with Cappy. However, this kingdom also hides a more retro feel. Occasionally, players will stumble upon hidden blocks that dispense pixelated coins, as in earlier games, mixing nostalgia with new experiences cohesively.

9. Cappy’s Unique Past

An intriguing Easter egg lies within Cappy’s character. By examining collectibles and lore-related discoveries, players can unearth the backstory of the Bonneton residents, revealing Cappy’s origins while drawing parallels to various ghost and cap-themed elements seen in past Mario adventures.

10. Music-themed Collectables

Musicality plays a pivotal role in Odyssey. Collecting music tracks unlocks tunes from Mario’s rich history, which can then be played during gameplay. Each track resonates with their respective game, inviting players to reminisce about the legacy of the famous plumber.

11. Switch Hardware Recognition

Super Mario Odyssey offers delightful moments upon interacting with the game in different styles on the Nintendo Switch. Try launching the game in handheld mode to uncover Mario’s subtle nods or screen interactions, demonstrating Odyssey’s utilization of the Switch’s unique capabilities.

12. Hidden Luigi References

In honor of the Year of Luigi initiative, which celebrated Mario’s green-hatted brother, some kingdoms hide subtle Luigi-related tokens, such as green balloons and collectible memorabilia, ensuring Luigi’s presence is never forgotten.

13. Reusable Costumes

Visiting the Crazy Cap stores in various kingdoms reveals costumes from Mario’s extensive wardrobe, drawing inspiration from games like Dr. Mario, Mario Picross, and even his infamous outing as a chef in Yoshi’s Cookie. These outfits aren’t just cosmetic, as certain doors in kingdoms require Mario to wear thematic costumes to gain entry, linking the past with present game mechanics.

14. The Peach Chronicles

After conquering Bowser, Peach celebrates her freedom by embarking on her adventure. Attentive gamers will find Peach visiting all kingdoms in different outfits, paralleling Mario’s journey while reflecting her growth as a character. These scenes provide deeper narrative layers and a fresh perspective on Peach’s development beyond the damsel-in-distress trope.

15. Yoshi’s Secret Role

Ending the adventure unlocks the opportunity to interact with Yoshi, a fan-favorite companion. In the Mushroom Kingdom, atop Peach’s Castle, Yoshi awaits players, offering nostalgic flashbacks to Super Mario 64. Engaging with Yoshi also opens new gameplay possibilities, such as additional Power Moons, cementing his key role as part of Mario’s legacy.

16. The Invisible Hat

Completing specific challenges rewards Mario with an Invisible Cap, a delightful nod to the invisibility cap from Super Mario 64. This upgrade doesn’t just alter visuals; it adds a fresh twist to the gameplay, inviting players to tackle levels in stealthy ways.

17. Mario Timeline Murals

Throughout Super Mario Odyssey, various kingdoms display murals commemorating significant events from Mario’s adventures. These murals act as a visual timeline, celebrating everything from his initial princess-saving escapades to the cosmic endeavors of Super Mario Galaxy, evoking a sense of pride and nostalgia among veteran players.

Each of these Easter eggs in Super Mario Odyssey serves to enrich the gaming experience, acting as a bridge connecting Mario’s storied past with his present adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned player exploring every corner or a newcomer to the series, these hidden gems ensure that Super Mario Odyssey continues to surprise, engage, and delight its audience, echoing through the halls of Mario’s enduring legacy.