Nevermind the critics: How 2D Mario beats 3D Mario

The Brainy Gamer writes:

As much as we enjoy blasting 3D Mario into space and navigating him around 3D orbs, a quick glance at sales figures makes one thing clear. We like Mario best when his world is flat. We still, apparently, prefer running from left to right.

Consider the numbers this way:

  • Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 combined total sales: 12.3 million
  • New Super Mario Wii total sales: 15.5 million
  • New Super Mario DS total sales: 22.4 million

This follow-up comment does a fine job explaining why, i.e. 2D Mario appeals to more people, including both active and once-active gamers.