You probably remember the hype in 2017. Everyone was losing their minds over Cappy, the T-Rex, and that jazz-infused New Donk City festival. But here is the thing: years later, people are still hunting for Walmart Super Mario Odyssey listings like they’re searching for a Power Moon in the Sand Kingdom. It’s weird, right? Most games from nearly a decade ago are either in the bargain bin for five bucks or forgotten entirely. Yet, Mario’s globe-trotting adventure holds its value with a grip like Bowser at a wedding.
If you walk into a physical store today, you might still see that $59.99 sticker. It’s frustrating. Nintendo rarely "drops" prices in the way Sony or Microsoft does. That’s why Walmart has become the unofficial headquarters for anyone trying to dodge the "Nintendo Tax."
The $10 Secret Most Gamers Forget
Walmart changed the game a few years back with their aggressive in-store pricing strategy. For a long time, if you physically walked into a Walmart, Super Mario Odyssey was $49.94 instead of the standard $60. They basically dared you to get off your couch. It wasn't a "sale" in the traditional sense; it was just their everyday price. Honestly, it was a brilliant move to drive foot traffic. While the website often stayed at the MSRP of $59, the shelf price in the electronics section was the real hero.
Lately, that gap has narrowed. Shipping costs and the shift to digital have made those "ten dollars off" stickers rarer, but they still pop up during rollbacks. You’ve gotta be careful, though. If you search for the game on their site now, you'll see a mix of "Sold by Walmart" and third-party sellers. That’s where things get messy.
Avoiding the Third-Party Trap
Have you ever noticed a price that looks too good to be true on the Walmart app? Like, $25 for a brand-new copy? It's almost certainly a third-party seller. Sometimes these are legit, but often they are international versions of the game. Now, the Switch is region-free, so a European or Middle Eastern copy of Odyssey will play just fine on your US console. But for collectors, that PEGI rating logo instead of the ESRB "E" rating is a total dealbreaker.
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If you want the authentic North American Walmart Super Mario Odyssey experience, you have to filter your search. Check the "Sold & Shipped by Walmart" box. It saves you the headache of getting a cracked case or a version of the game that looks "off" on your shelf.
Why the Game Stays Relevant in 2026
It’s about the physics. Every time I pick up the controller, I’m reminded that Mario’s movement in this game is basically perfect. You have the triple jump, the dive, the hat throw, and the roll. You can chain these together to reach places the developers probably didn't even intend for you to see. This is why the speedrunning community still treats this game like a religion.
Nintendo EPD (Entertainment Planning & Development) put a level of polish into this title that we rarely see anymore. Think about the "Capture" mechanic. You aren't just playing as Mario; you're a Goomba, a Bullet Bill, or a literal electrical current. It keeps the gameplay loop from getting stale even after you’ve collected 500 moons.
The Bundle Phenomenon
Occasionally, Walmart gets exclusive stock of the "Starter Pack" version. This isn't just the game; it comes with a physical traveler’s guide. If you find one of these gathering dust on a shelf, grab it. The guide is actually a pretty cool piece of memorabilia, filled with art and tips that feel nostalgic in our digital-everything era.
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There were also the red Joy-Con bundles. These are the "holy grail" for some collectors. Originally released alongside the game, finding a Walmart-exclusive Mario Odyssey Switch bundle brand new today is basically impossible unless you’re willing to pay a massive markup to a reseller. But keep an eye on "Refurbished" listings on the Walmart site. Sometimes they cycle through old stock that’s been restored, and you can snag the game plus some accessories for a steal.
Is Digital Better?
Walmart also sells digital codes. You might wonder: why buy a digital code from a retailer instead of just hitting up the eShop?
- Rewards Points: Sometimes you have Walmart gift cards or credit.
- Discounted Gift Cards: If you buy a $50 eShop card for $45 (which Walmart occasionally runs as a promo), you’re effectively getting the game cheaper.
- Physicality: Some people just like having a receipt or a card to wrap as a gift.
But honestly? Get the cartridge. The Switch’s internal storage is tiny. Even with a beefy SD card, having that physical 5.6GB offloaded onto a cartridge is just smart management. Plus, you can lend it to a friend when you're done. Or sell it. Nintendo games have a bizarrely high resale value. You can buy it at Walmart today for $45-50 and probably sell it on eBay in three years for $35. That’s a "rental" cost of $15 for one of the best games ever made.
Spotting a Real Deal vs. a "Placeholder"
Retailers are notorious for "fake sales." You'll see a big red "SAVE" tag that only knocks $2 off the price. Don't fall for it. The historical low for Super Mario Odyssey at major retailers like Walmart or Amazon usually hovers around $30 during Black Friday. If you see it for $39.99, that’s a "buy now" price. If it’s $49.99, you’re paying the standard rate.
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I’ve seen people wait months for a price drop that never comes. Don't be that person. The game is worth sixty bucks. Getting it for forty-five is a win.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Check the Seller: Ensure it says "Sold and shipped by Walmart.com."
- Verify the Version: Look for the ESRB rating in the bottom left of the box art image.
- In-Store Pickup: Often, the price is lower if you choose "Pick up today" because it avoids shipping overhead for the store.
- Condition: Make sure it doesn't say "Restored" unless you specifically want a used copy.
Master the Movement
Once you finally get that Walmart Super Mario Odyssey cartridge in your console, don't just run toward the objective. The real magic is in the experimentation. Try the "Cappy Jump." Throw your hat, hold the button to keep it spinning, dive into it, and then jump again. It opens up the entire map.
The game doesn't hold your hand. Sure, there’s an "Assist Mode" if you want it, but the "Pro" way to play is to ignore the paths and see if you can climb the highest building in New Donk City just by using your hat. It’s a masterclass in level design. Every "I wonder if I can get up there" moment is usually rewarded with a hidden coin or a secret path.
Actionable Next Steps for the Smart Buyer
Stop refreshing the main search page and get tactical. If you want the best price on Odyssey at Walmart, use a price-tracking tool to see the 90-day trend. If the price is currently sitting at $59, wait. It cycles down to $45 roughly every six weeks.
Check the "Clearance" aisle in the physical store, not just the locked glass case. Sometimes, games with damaged plastic wrap get moved to the bargain bin even if the game inside is perfect. Finally, if you're buying it for a kid (or yourself), grab a screen protector while you're at it. Odyssey is a game that encourages "energetic" play, and you don't want a Joy-Con flying into the glass.
The reality is that Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a game; it's a staple. It’s the "Citizen Kane" of 3D platformers, but, you know, actually fun to play. Whether you find it on a clearance rack or snag it during a midnight online drop, it’s one of the few purchases in gaming you will absolutely never regret.