Summary
AmbitiousSuper Mario SunshinemodSuper Mario Eclipsehas received an official release date from developer Eclipse Team, with the expansive update launching next Summer. Since its initial release on the GameCube in 2002, the platformer starring Mario and his new companion F.L.U.D.D. has become a beloved entry among the franchise’s 3D library. While the game originally received some criticism surrounding the gimmicky nature of the water-powered jetpack,Sunshinewent on to become one of the best-selling games on GameCube. Now,Eclipseis set to release as an impressive overhaul of the game.
First revealed more than three years ago,Super Mario Eclipseis a bold take on the classicSuper Mario Sunshine, nearly completely overhauling the game. TheSunshinemod features two new playable characters alongside the addition of new environments and doubling the number of Shines players can find. The mod team even describesSuper Mario Eclipseas “basicallySuper Mario Sunshine 2” with the staggering number of changes made to the game. Now, the massive mod has finally received its full release date.
A new trailer posted by Eclipse Team has officially revealed the release date forSuper Mario Eclipsewith the mod expected to arrive next summer. The trailer confirms the full mod will release on July 22, 2025 with players able to try out a demo of the mod, showing off some ofSuper Mario Eclipse’s new features and mechanics. The trailer shows off some of the new environments featured as part of theSunshinemod, adding in iconic locations likePeach’s Castle fromSuper Mario 64and a re-imagining ofSunshine’s Bianco Hills.
Alongside the plethora of new environments shown off within the trailer,Super Mario Eclipseis also set to feature several changes toSuper Mario Sunshine’s gameplay. The mod will see both Luigi andSunshinecharacter Piantissimo added to the game as playable characters, both gaining access to F.L.U.D.D. as well.Super Mario Eclipsealso adds a variety of new moves and movement mechanics, including a spin jump that allows the player to briefly hover for unique platforming challenges.
The upcoming release ofSuper Mario Eclipselooks to follow a plethora of impressive mods for the franchise’s recent games.Sunshinepreviously received some modern love with aF.L.U.D.D. mod forSuper Mario Odyssey, allowing Mario to use the jetpack’s unique techniques within the Switch platformer.Super Mario Bros. Wonderhas also already received plenty of mods, adding beloved characters like Rosalina and Kirby to the franchise’srecent return to 2D platformers.Super Mario Eclipsestands to be an impressive addition toMario’s expansive mod library and a welcome return toSuper MarioSunshine.
Super Mario Sunshine
WHERE TO PLAY
The second 3D Super Mario game sees the platforming hero head to the tropical setting of Isle Delfino.Super Mario Sunshine’s standout gameplay mechanic revolves around F.L.U.D.D., a robotic backpack that sprays water and is used to clear a hazardous substance known as goop.
