Super Mario Odyssey is a 2017 platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. An entry in the Super Mario series, it follows Mario and his new ally Cappy—a sentient hat that allows Mario to control other characters and objects—as they journey across various kingdoms to save Princess Peach from Mario’s nemesis Bowser’s plans of forced marriage. In contrast to the linear gameplay of prior entries, the game returns to the primarily open-ended, 3D platform gameplay featured in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine.

In the game, Mario explores various kingdoms and collects Power Moons hidden inside them, used as a fuel source to power an airship known as the Odyssey to travel to new locations. Cappy’s main function is the “capture” ability, letting Mario possess enemies and other objects, helping him solve puzzles and progress in the game. After completing the main story mode, other post-game kingdoms are unlockable as well as an additional minigame, “Luigi’s Balloon World”. The game supports multiplayer and virtual reality with a Nintendo Labo virtual reality kit.

Developed by Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development division, the game entered development in 2013 soon after the release of Super Mario 3D World. Various ideas were suggested during development, and to incorporate them all the team decided to employ a sandbox-style of gameplay. Unlike previous installments such as Super Mario 3D Land and Super Mario Run, which were aimed at a more casual audience, the team designed Super Mario Odyssey to appeal somewhat more to the series’ core fans. The game also features two voiced theme songs, “Jump Up, Super Star!” and “Break Free (Lead The Way)”.