Honestly, walking into a tech store and seeing that specific shade of red is dangerous for my wallet. You know the one. It’s not just "red." It’s Mario red. When Nintendo dropped the Switch Super Mario Edition—specifically that crisp Mario Red & Blue set back in 2021—it felt like a turning point for how the company handled their hardware refreshes. It wasn't just a lazy transparent plastic shell or a tiny sticker near the kickstand. It was loud. It was bold. It was, for lack of a better word, iconic.
But here is the thing most people get wrong about these special editions. They aren't just for collectors who keep boxes in mint condition inside acrylic cases. They’re actually the best way to track the evolution of the Switch hardware before we eventually move on to whatever "Switch 2" rumors turn out to be true.
What makes the Switch Super Mario Edition actually different?
Most "special edition" consoles are just the standard black unit with some fancy Joy-Cons. Not this one. The Switch Super Mario Edition (the Red & Blue one) was the first time the actual console tablet itself was a different color. Usually, the tablet part is that standard, boring charcoal grey. But for the Mario 35th anniversary, Nintendo went all out. The dock is red. The Joy-Cons are red. Even the main body of the Switch is red. It sticks out like a sore thumb in a media center, and that’s exactly why I love it.
It’s bright.
It also came with a carrying case that has little yellow zippers shaped like Mario’s glove. Details like that matter to people who grew up hitting blocks with their heads.
Then you’ve got the newer OLED version—the Mario Red Edition that launched alongside Super Mario Bros. Wonder. That one is a bit more subtle. It’s all red, no blue. If you look really closely at the back of the dock, there’s a tiny silhouette of Mario jumping. And if you open the back cover where the cables go? There are hidden coins printed inside. It’s like a secret handshake for nerds.
The OLED vs. The Original V2 Red & Blue
If you're hunting for one of these today, you’ve got to be careful. The original Red & Blue edition is based on the "V2" hardware (the one with the improved battery life over the 2017 launch model). It has the standard LCD screen. It’s great, but the screen doesn't pop like the OLED.
👉 See also: No Holds Barred DBD: Why the Hardcore Community is Actually Splitting
The OLED Switch Super Mario Edition is the superior machine for playing in handheld mode. The colors are deeper. The black levels make those vibrant Mario levels look like they’re glowing. However, some fans—myself included—kinda miss the blue accents from the 2021 version. That blue grip and the blue straps gave it a "costume" feel that the solid red OLED lacks.
Is it actually worth the markup on the secondary market?
Prices for these things are all over the place. On sites like StockX or eBay, you’ll see the 2021 Red & Blue version going for way above its original $299 MSRP if it’s brand new. Why? Because it was a limited run. Unlike the Mario Red OLED, which stayed on shelves a bit longer, the 35th-anniversary set was a "get it or forget it" situation.
You’re paying for the aesthetic. Under the hood, the processing power is identical to a standard Switch. It won't run Odyssey at a higher frame rate. It won't make Mario Kart 8 Deluxe look like 4K. It’s the same Tegra X1 chip we've been using since the Obama administration (okay, slightly exaggerating, but it’s old).
Yet, there’s a tactile joy in owning the hardware. Holding a red console just feels more "Nintendo" than holding a grey one. It’s a psychological thing.
Why collectors go crazy for the Mario designs
- The Joy-Con Rarity: You can’t just go buy the "Mario Red" Joy-Cons separately in most regions. If you drift one of those sticks, you’re in for a world of hurt trying to find an exact color match replacement without paying a premium.
- Resale Value: Nintendo hardware holds its value better than almost any other consumer electronic. A Switch Super Mario Edition in good condition will likely be worth more in five years than it is today.
- The Hidden Details: As I mentioned, the hidden coins on the OLED dock are a massive draw for people who appreciate "Easter eggs" in physical products.
The "Mario Choice" nobody talks about
There’s another version people often forget when they search for a Switch Super Mario Edition. Remember the Mario Odyssey bundle from way back in 2017? That one came with "Mario Red" Joy-Cons too, but they were a slightly darker, blood-red shade compared to the neon red ones you see everywhere. Those are incredibly rare now. If you see someone with those dark red Joy-Cons, they’ve been in the game a long time.
It’s confusing, right?
✨ Don't miss: How to Create My Own Dragon: From Sketchpad to Digital Reality
Nintendo has three different shades of red they use for Mario. There’s the "Neon Red" (standard), the "Mario Red" (Odyssey), and the "Bright Red" (35th Anniversary/OLED). If you’re a perfectionist, mixing and matching these looks terrible. Don't do it. Stick to the set.
Common misconceptions about special editions
One thing I hear all the time: "Oh, the Mario edition comes with the game pre-installed."
Usually, no.
The 2021 Red & Blue edition did not include a game. The Mario Red OLED does not include a game. You’re paying for the hardware and the fancy box. Sometimes retailers like Target or Walmart will do their own bundles, but from Nintendo’s factory? It’s just the console. This catches a lot of parents off guard during the holidays. They spend $350 and the kid can't even play Wonder until they spend another $60.
Also, the "limited" nature is often overstated. Nintendo produces hundreds of thousands of these. Don't let scalpers convince you that it’s a "1 of 100" situation. It’s not. It’s a "1 of 500,000" situation. Wait for a restock or look for a reputable refurbished seller before dropping $500 on a standard console just because it’s red.
How to take care of your Mario Switch
If you actually bought one to play it (and you should!), you need to protect that shell. Since the console body is colored plastic rather than just painted, scratches show up white or grey. It’s ugly.
🔗 Read more: Why Titanfall 2 Pilot Helmets Are Still the Gold Standard for Sci-Fi Design
- Get a clear shell: If you want to see the red but keep it safe, get a thin TPU clear case.
- Screen protector is mandatory: The Switch screen is plastic. It scratches if you look at it too hard. Especially when sliding it into the dock.
- Watch the Joy-Con rails: The red coating on the rails can chip over time if you’re aggressive when swapping controllers. Be gentle.
The Verdict on the Red and Blue
Is it the best Switch? Technically, the OLED is the better screen. But the Switch Super Mario Edition (2021) is the better tribute. It’s a piece of history. It’s the only time the entire unit—dock, tablet, and controllers—matched the primary color of the company's mascot.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you are currently looking to pick up a Switch Super Mario Edition, do not just click the first link on Amazon. You will get overcharged.
First, check local listings like Facebook Marketplace or specialized gaming forums. Many collectors bought these and never opened them, and you can often find a "Like New" unit for close to the original price.
Second, verify the model number. If you want the OLED version, ensure the box has the "OLED" branding. Some sellers use "Mario Edition" vaguely to sell older, used V1 models with high battery drain.
Third, if you’re buying for the color, invest in a set of Hall Effect joystick replacements. Since these Joy-Cons are unique colors, you don't want to replace them when they eventually start drifting. Fixing the internals while keeping the original red shells is the pro move.
Finally, keep the box. For the Switch Super Mario Edition, the box art is unique and significantly adds to the value if you ever decide to trade it in for the next generation of Nintendo hardware.