Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door revitalizes a classic RPG with modern updates. Charming visuals and strategic gameplay anchor an engaging story. While some script changes and pacing issues remain contentious, it is a memorable title for nostalgic fans and new players on Switch.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024)
Released: May 23, 2024
Developer(s): Intelligent Systems, Tose Co., Ltd.
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Platform(s):
Completed on Nintendo Switch in Docked Mode.
HowLongToBeat Time: 30.5 Hours | My Clear Time: 33hours 59mins
The Thousand-Year Door Background
The Thousand-Year Door is a legend in the Mario lineup. Originally built by Intelligent Systems for the GameCube, it took everything from the N64 original and dialed it up. It kept that paper-thin art style and the turn-based battles that reward perfect timing, just like Super Mario RPG.
Nintendo announced the remake in September 2023, built on the same engine as The Origami King. This version features redone graphics, a fresh soundtrack, and a ton of fixes to make the journey smoother. The script got a few tweaks too, cutting out the Goombette catcalling and Bowser’s weight-shaming, but the humor and heart of the original are still front and center.
Mario and the gang are ready to catch the next ride to a new world of paper-thin puzzles.
The Thousand-Year Door Experience
I’ve been a Paper Mario fan since the N64 days. I’ve always loved how the series blends deep RPG mechanics with that goofy, storybook vibe. Since I’m also a fan of Super Mario RPG, the timing-based combat feels like second nature to me. Between beating the original GameCube version and dabbling in Sticker Star, I was more than ready to see how this remake held up against my nostalgia.
Change your threads and your luck with the legendary L Emblem badge.
The Thousand-Year Door Impressions
The visual upgrade is the first thing you’ll notice. The world pops like never before, and the smoother animations make the whole experience feel modern. The battle system is still the highlight of the show, especially once you start messing with badges and special moves to build your strategy.
Spooky shadows and stylish transformations await in this trip through Twilight Town.
The new fixes cut down on the original game’s biggest headaches. The new “pipe room” under Rogueport is a massive help, letting you fast-travel between spots and cutting out a lot of the old backtracking. You also get a better hint system and an inventory boost that lets you carry 15 items instead of just 10. Even the coin cap got a huge bump to 9999. One of the best additions is the “Try Again” option on the Game Over screen, which drops you right back where you were instead of making you reload an old save.
There’s been a lot of talk about the frame rate, and while it runs at 30fps compared to the GameCube’s 60fps, it stays rock solid in both docked and handheld modes. Unlike the frame rate dips you see in the N64 original on Switch, this stays smooth. The trade-off is worth it for the graphics alone. Locations like Twilight Town look incredible now, with better shadows and detail that really show off the new engine.
The Thousand-Year Door Verdict
Bringing The Thousand-Year Door to the Switch was a smart move. It captures everything that made the original special while adding the modern touches it needed to stay relevant. The new visuals and rearranged music make the world feel fresh, and the fixes to travel and inventory make the game much easier to enjoy. With its great story and tactical combat, this isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s still one of the best RPGs Mario has ever starred in.
The Thousand-Year Door TLDR
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch)
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door revitalizes a classic RPG with modern updates. Charming visuals and strategic gameplay anchor an engaging story. While some script changes and pacing issues remain contentious, it is a memorable title for nostalgic fans and new players on Switch.
