Overview

The Mario & Luigi RPG series has brought unforgettable adventures to players around the world, and two of its finest entries deserve a proper revival: Partners in Time and Bowser’s Inside Story. A combined remake for the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 would allow both classics to shine together, introducing them to a new generation while rekindling nostalgia for longtime fans.

Past attempts at remakes fell short, particularly with the underwhelming 3DS version of Bowser’s Inside Story. This time, Nintendo has the chance to create something truly special. With modern graphics, enhanced gameplay, and a revitalized story presentation, these two beloved games could return stronger than ever. Join us in calling on Nintendo to make this combined remake a reality.

Full Text

As a longtime fan of the Mario & Luigi RPG series, I have an idea for a combined remake of two of the most endearing games in the franchise: Partners in Time and Bowser's Inside Story.

 

Partners in Time
This game takes us into the Mushroom Kingdom of the past, during an alien invasion no less. Princess Peach and her court use a time machine to travel into the past, only for her to be captured by the aliens. Teaming up with their baby selves, the Mario Bros. set off to defeat the invaders and save Peach.

Bowser’s Inside Story
This entry involved both the Mario Bros. and Bowser himself. Together, they fought to reclaim the Mushroom and Koopa Kingdoms from the villain Fawful, who aimed for world domination. Much of the game took place inside Bowser’s body, where Mario and Luigi navigated challenges unseen by Bowser, creating a unique dual-story adventure.

 
The State of the Series
The Mario & Luigi RPG series recently returned with a new entry that released on the Nintendo Switch, Mario & Luigi: Brothership. While it showed much potential, the revival was met with mixed reviews. Even so, its release proves there is still interest in this series. A combined remake of Partners in Time and Bowser’s Inside Story would not only rekindle nostalgia for longtime fans, but also introduce a new generation of players to these beloved adventures.

 
Why a Combined Remake Makes Sense
While there were requests to remaster Partners in Time, Nintendo instead remastered Bowser’s Inside Story for the 3DS. Unfortunately, this remake underperformed. Despite receiving semi-positive reviews, it was overshadowed by the poorly received Bowser Jr.’s Journey mode, released on a system that already played the original game. Sales were low, and the title became one of the worst-selling Mario games, even suspected of contributing to the downfall of developer AlphaDream. To put it simply, the remake was really underdone.

However, this does not mean Bowser’s Inside Story should be left behind. Instead, it deserves a second chance, paired with Partners in Time. A combined remake on the Switch or Switch 2 could fix what was missing the first time, while also giving Partners in Time the spotlight it has always deserved.

 
What a Remake Could Offer
Two stories side by side, in one game. Not only would graphics and gameplay be improved, but the storytelling could be revitalized as well, adding new elements while respecting the originals.

Some key opportunities include:

• Unified and Enhanced World Design
  Both games are set in the Mushroom Kingdom, though present vastly different world maps. With a combined remake, a uniform, yet enriching world design could be crafted, offering coherence and an enhanced gaming experience. Moreover, the overall design of the world as well as the terrain can be reimagined with greater animation and graphics, much like Brothership. Different areas in both games that were simplistic and lacking can be significantly improved for better gameplay.
• Expanded Antagonists
  The Shroobs, a fascinating alien race from Partners in Time, were underused after their first appearance. Regrettably, the captivating Shroobs only had one major role in this game and a minor part in the next one, then never really turned up again. The Shroobs only had cameos from then on, such as in Brothership. These fantastic characters and their narrative potential was largely left underexploited. Remaking, Partners In Time either by itself or with Bowser's Inside Story could reintroduce the Shroobs to a whole new generation of Mario fans. A remake could restore their importance, giving new players the chance to experience their full narrative potential.
• Expanded Protagonists
  Another key improvement would be expanding the role of certain supporting protagonists. The Star Sprites, particularly Starlow, are a clear example. While Starlow has been a major figure in the Mario & Luigi RPG series, she is still the only Star Sprite to receive meaningful attention, with little lore or history provided for her species. Their presence in the games has otherwise been minimal. A combined remake could change this by introducing other Star Sprites, fleshing out their background, and tying them more directly into the story. This would not only enrich Starlow’s character but also add depth to the world, making the adventure feel more connected. Another strong candidate is Professor E. Gadd, who has largely been confined to the Luigi’s Mansion series. Beyond those games, he has only made limited appearances—Partners in Time being one of them. A remake could expand his role as well, giving him more involvement in the larger Mario universe.
• Improved Battles
  The Mario & Luigi RPG series introduced innovative battle styles to the gaming world. Bowser's Inside Story was the first game of its kind to introduce Giant Battles. By contrast, Partners in Time featured Spaceship Battles which could have been further developed, yet were likely restrained due to the technological limitations of the time. In this age of advanced technology, these constraints are no longer relevant. A combined remake of these two games would not only allow for a thorough revamp of Spaceship Battles from Partners in Time, but also further advance Giant Battles introduced in Bowser's Inside Story, enhancing the overall gameplay and user experience on the Nintendo Switch.
• Switch Power
  The Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems offer far greater capabilities than past systems. They both possess numerous extra features could be fully utilized to deliver richer gameplay, sharper visuals, and more immersive storytelling. All of these are important factors in great games themselves. A combined remake could utilized the Nintendo Switch's abilities to create something truly worth playing. 

 

Proven Success of Remakes

In the past, Nintendo has seen success in remastering classics, with reported 5.5 million sales of Super Mario 3D All-Stars – a compilation of classics – within half a year of release [source: Nintendo's Year-end Financial Report, 2020]. Hence, it is evident that there is a substantial market for remakes.

The potential for success of these remakes is evident from another gem in the Mario franchise: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door which was updated with improved graphics, additional gameplay, and enriched storyline. This ultimately led to successful sales and illustrates how nostalgia coupled with modern ingenuity bears fruit.

Now that The Thousand Year Door has received a remake, what should come next? I feel more nostalgic Mario games should receive proper remakes. Not the kind Bowser's Inside Story initially received, as that was really underdone, but a real good remake with all sorts of improved parts.

 

Why This Matters
Partners in Time and Bowser’s Inside Story are key pieces of the Mario & Luigi RPG legacy. Their rich storylines, captivating characters, and innovative battle systems have entertained millions worldwide. A combined remake would not only honor their legacy but also ensure they are not forgotten.

This is not just about nostalgia. It is about giving these games the treatment they deserve, creating a title that is exciting, modern, and valuable to both longtime fans and new players.

 
✍️ Join the Petition
We call on Nintendo to bring Partners in Time and Bowser’s Inside Story together in a combined remake for the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2. Let us spark nostalgia, spread joy, and reintroduce these iconic adventures to a whole new generation of Mario fans.

Sign the petition and let your voice be heard.