Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Nintendo Switch / Nintendo 3DS)

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Nintendo Switch cover art Nintendo 3DS cover art
Developer	Nintendo EPD Tokyo Nintendo Software Technology Corporation 1-UP Studio
Publisher	Nintendo
Platform(s)	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS
Release date	Nintendo Switch: July 13, 2018 July 13, 2018 July 13, 2018 July 13, 2018 July 13, 2018 July 13, 2018 July 13, 2018 July 13, 2018 Nintendo 3DS: July 13, 2018 July 13, 2018 July 13, 2018 July 13, 2018
Language(s)	English (United States) English (United Kingdom) French (France) French (Canada) German Spanish (Spain) Spanish (Latin America) Italian Dutch Japanese
Genre	Puzzle, Platform
Rating(s)	ESRB: - Everyone PEGI: - Three years and older CERO: - All ages ACB: - General USK: - Six years and older DEJUS: - General audience RARS: - All ages GRAC: - All ages GSRR: - Six years and older FPB: - Parental guidance GCAM: - Seven years and older NMC: - Three years and older
Mode(s)	Single player Multiplayer (Nintendo Switch version)
Media	Nintendo Switch: Game Card Digital download Nintendo 3DS: Game Card Digital download
Input	Nintendo Switch: Joy-Con Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Nintendo 3DS: Gamepad

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a puzzle platforming game available for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS, both versions being released on July 13, 2018. They are both ports of the Wii U game of the same name. Rather than providing a side story corresponding to the events of Super Mario 3D World and featuring select levels from said game like the original, these ports share a side story with the events of Super Mario Odyssey, featuring levels based on kingdoms from that game. The ports retain many of the features of the Wii U version, with the Switch version adding new content via updates, including a two-player mode and paid DLC expansion explaining the origins of the Super Crown.

The plot of both ports stays true to the storyline of the original game—Captain Toad must set out on an expedition to rescue Toadette from Wingo while collecting various Power Stars, hindered only by his inability to jump.

Gameplay

amiibo

Like the Wii U version of the game, this game is compatible with amiibo. The Toad amiibo now grants the player invincibility for a level, similar to the effects when scanning a Mario amiibo in Super Mario Odyssey, rather than to play Hide & Seek, which is instead unlocked by completing a level. In addition, the Wedding Mario, Peach, or Bowser amiibo unlock the Super Mario Odyssey-themed courses early in the game. Any other amiibo can give Captain Toad 1-Up Mushrooms.

Controls

The Nintendo Switch version of the game can be played without the touch screen in Tabletop or TV mode and with the touch screen in Handheld mode.

Nintendo 3DS controls

• Move -
• Run/pluck/throw - / / ZR
• Spin - (rotate)
• Turn on/off headlamp -
• Camera:
  • Tilt - Gyroscope (if enabled in-game) / Touch Screen / C-Stick
  • Zoom in/out -
  • Move left/right - / / (left/right)
  • Move up/down - (up/down)
• Pause menu - /
• Use amiibo - Tap amiibo button on touch screen (only in level select menu)
• Play Hide and Seek with Pixel Toad - Tap Pixel Toad on touch screen (only in level select menu)

Nintendo Switch controls

• Move -
• Run/pluck/throw - / / / (only on Handheld mode)
• Spin - (rotate)
• Turn on/off headlamp -
• Camera:
  • Tilt - /
  • Zoom in/out -
  • Move 45 degrees - /
  • Move behind player -
• Pointer:
  • Use pointer - (move) (only on Tabletop and TV mode)
  • Interact with object and enemies - (only on Tabletop and TV mode)
  • Recenter the pointer - / (press)
• Use amiibo - (only on menu)
• Play Hide and Seek with Pixel Toad - (only on menu)
  • Catch Pixel Toad - (only on Tabletop and TV mode)

Two-player modes

In the Nintendo Switch version of the game, two types of cooperative two player modes are available in every level. Both of these modes are only available in the Nintendo Switch's TV / Tabletop mode.

Assist Mode

In Assist Mode, Player 1 assumes the normal role of Captain Toad or Toadette, except for the change that Player 2 now exclusively controls the pointer.

Player 2 also gains the ability to fire red turnips towards wherever the pointer is located. Red turnips can be used to obtain collectibles (except Super Gems and Power Stars), defeat enemies, or break small blocks. They cannot be used to activate switches, enter Clear Pipes, break Rock Blocks, or damage bosses. This mode also allows Player 2 to fire even during Mine Cart sections and to use the pointer when inside it, which is usually not possible.

This mode is only playable using two Joy-Con controllers. Joy-Con (L) is always assigned to Player 1, and Joy-Con (R) is always assigned to Player 2. When switching the game to or from this mode, all controllers currently synced to the Nintendo Switch will turn off. Attempting to sync another controller will fail. Syncing a controller in the Home Menu and then going back into the game will turn the newly synced controller off. Wired controllers will also appear desynced. Attempting to use two left Joy-Con or two right Joy-Con will let the player(s) advance from the pairing screen, but they will immediately be brought back.

Adventure for Two

Adventure for Two was added in the 1.1.0 update on February 13, 2019. This mode allows both players to control a Toad Brigade Member, with Player 1 controlling the assigned character for the level, and Player 2 controlling Toadette in the Special Episode and a purple palette swap of Captain Toad in all other episodes.

Any control method is available to both players in this mode, as well as a sideways Joy-Con. Notably, the button to rotate the camera in this mode was changed for the sideways Joy-Con configuration, and a new button was added to activate the cursor. Additionally, both players can Bubble themselves to float above the other player's head, until they wish to pop out and continue playing.

When a player loses a life in this mode, they come back in a Bubble. If a player is in a bubble or is in the process of losing a life as the other player does the same, the players must start the level over. If the players are too far apart from each other, one will automatically be warped to the other's location via bubble.

If either player is using a Spinwheel and the other approaches another Spinwheel, they cannot use it until the player actively using a Spinwheel steps off.

If either player enters a Clear Pipe cannon, or a Mine Cart, the other player will be warped there quickly. However, Doors, Pipes, Clear Pipes and others do not force the other player to warp.

Both players can collect Super Gems and Power Stars (or Power Moons / Shiny Crowns) in this mode. The player who reached the Power Star first is the one visible during the Course Clear animation.

List of changes

Gameplay changes

Purple Captain Toad

• "Expedition to the Sprixie Kingdom" in the Bonus Episode is removed and replaced with four new levels based on kingdoms from Super Mario Odyssey. These stages contain Super Gems, unlike the Super Mario 3D World levels.
• "Hide & Seek" is now available to play after completing a level, therefore the Toad amiibo is no longer required. Instead, the Toad amiibo is used to supply Captain Toad with a free Invincibility Mushroom.
• As of version 1.1.0, the Nintendo Switch version features multiplayer. A purple palette swap of Captain Toad called "Purple Captain Toad" is playable in this mode in all levels except the Special Episode, where player 2 is instead Toadette.
• The Special Episode is added as DLC in the Nintendo Switch version, featuring 18 more levels.
• Some of the bonus objectives in the Nintendo 3DS version of the game are changed due to hardware limitations, such as the one in Poison Canal Cannon Run being changed from "Cleared course with 4 Toadettes!" to "Found the hidden Gold Mushroom!"
• The Nintendo 3DS version is framerate-capped to 30 frames per second. The Nintendo Switch version and Wii U original both run at 60.
• Propeller Platforms are replaced with normal Lifts in the Nintendo Switch version due to the lack of a mic on the Nintendo Switch.

Visual changes

• The ending of Episode 3 has changed, now showing Captain Toad in the Sand Kingdom, chasing after the Odyssey while leaving Toadette behind, rather than chasing a Green Star in the Sprixie Kingdom like in the Wii U original.
• Captain Toad's eyes in the Nintendo 3DS version are larger than in the Wii U or Nintendo Switch versions.

Enemies and obstacles

Most enemies and obstacles from the original game reappear, with the exception of Big Piranha Plants, Blurkers, Cat Goombas, and Stingbys, which only appeared in levels based on Super Mario 3D World. Cookatiel is added and makes an appearance in the level Cookatiel's Sizzling Sprint.

Items and objects

Most items and obstacles from the original game reappear, with the exception of Green Stars, Key Coins, and Potted Piranha Plant. Propeller Platforms are absent in the Nintendo Switch version, and are replaced by Lifts due to the system's lack of a microphone. Power Moons appear in the levels based off of Super Mario Odyssey, and function the same as Power Stars. With the addition of the Special Episode in the Nintendo Switch version, two new objects are added, those being Shiny Crowns and Crown Chips, as well as a variant of the Super Gems that is colored deep blue with white eyes that functions similarly to Moon Coins, in that they do not add to the number of gems needed to unlock levels.

Stages

75 of the 79 stages in the Wii U version remain intact. Super Bell Hill, Conkdor Canyon, Shadow-Play Alley, and Clear Pipe Cruise are removed and are replaced by four new stages based on kingdoms from Super Mario Odyssey.

An update for the Nintendo Switch version released on March 14, 2019 adds the Special Episode as paid DLC, featuring 18 more courses. This update is not available in the Nintendo 3DS version.

Bonus Episode	Special Episode (exclusive to the Nintendo Switch version)
Super Mario Odyssey Kingdoms	The Search for the Legendary Crown	Where Is the Crown?	The Hunt Continues
Secret of the Inverted Pyramid	1. Shifty Shrine	8. Cocoa Meltdown	17. Crown Capture in Wandering Woods
Mine Cart Cascade Crusade	2. Crown Capture at Mushroom Ruins	9. Crown Capture at Up 'n' Down Terrace	Chaos in the Grand Labyrinth
Uptown, Downtown	3. Boo Spotting at Darkly Cove	10. Boo Spotting at Shy Guy Heights
Cookatiel's Sizzling Sprint	4. Goomba Galleon	11. Flip Panel Panic
	5. Crown Capture on the Touchstone	12. Crown Capture at Pop-Up Prairie Town
	6. Boo Spotting at Shadow Den	13. Boo Spotting on the Fright Train
	7. Mine Cart Scalding Scaffold	14. Spinning Starmaze
		15. Boo Spotting at Multi-Vator Mayhem
		16. Wingo's Double Trouble

Nintendo Labo VR

Through the version 1.3.0 update for the Nintendo Switch version released on July 30, 2019, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker became compatible with the Nintendo Labo's Toy-Con VR Goggles in a VR-exclusive mode. The mode features four existing levels that can be played in virtual reality:

• The Treasure at Mushroom Ruins
• Walleye Tumble Temple
• Briny Bowl Swimming Hole
• Mine Cart Tunnel Throwdown

The level selection screen is also a VR space where the player can look around in 360 degrees, featuring a mine cart ridden by Toadette on a looping track, several enemies, and the Toad Brigade on a platform below the level thumbnails.

Update history

Version 1.1.0 (Nintendo Switch)

The Nintendo Switch version of the game received an update on February 13, 2019, which added 2 Player co-op into the game. The update also added the Special Episode (if players pre-purchased the Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker - Special Episode content from the Nintendo eShop), allowing players to play the first level as a pre-purchase bonus.

This update also included changes to existing elements. Players can now toggle their character's headlamp by tapping the playable character with the pointer. Players may also toggle their partner's headlamp when playing in Adventure for Two mode. The second player in Assist Mode can toggle the first player's headlamp in this way.

A "Restart" button was added to the pause screen on every level. Restarting a level returns the player to their starting point or latest checkpoint, resets the timer and coin counter to 0, but retains all Super Gems they collected. Restarting does not cost lives. If the player restarts a level after a checkpoint, the timer will not be displayed and saved as their best time.

Additionally, this update made it no longer possible to run over Spinwheels in Handheld Mode, instead automatically snapping the player to them without touch screen input, same as in TV / Tabletop Mode.

Version 1.2.0 (Nintendo Switch)

The Nintendo Switch version of the game received an update on March 14, 2019, adding the remaining seventeen levels to the Special Episode for players that purchased the Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker - Special Episode content from the Nintendo eShop.

Additionally, to better distinguish the 2 players, Toadette's headlamp now has a distinctively warmer tone than that of Captain Toad's when playing in Adventure for Two mode in the Special Episode.

Version 1.3.0 (Nintendo Switch)

The Nintendo Switch version of the game received an update on July 29, 2019, adding a bonus mode for the Nintendo Labo VR Headset. It includes four levels from throughout the game remastered for this mode.

Nintendo 3DS eShop description

American English version

Captain Toad stars in his own puzzling quest on the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems! Our stubby hero must dodge dangers and track treasures across many trap-filled courses. Survive smoldering volcanoes, hazardous steam engines, haunted houses, and even new courses based on the Super Mario Odyssey™ game! Watch them come to life in stereoscopic 3D using the touch-controlled game camera. Super Gems and Power Stars are hidden across each puzzling course you'll explore. As you reclaim the treasure stolen by the monstrous, greedy bird, Wingo, you'll eventually be able to play as Toadette! These tiny heroes will have to waddle, hide, pluck, chuck, and power-up through enemy-infested locales like towers, wild-west shanties, and Goomba waterparks—all bursting with goodies to find and secrets to unearth. It's all in the name of treasure! Aim your head-mounted flashlight at adventure!

British English version

Explore a variety of tricky sandbox-style levels inspired by Japanese box gardens called Hakoniwa in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker! With 3D visuals and Touch Screen controls, it feels like there's a box garden right in your hands!

Promotion

To promote both versions of the game's release, a quiz game titled Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Fun Quiz was added to Play Nintendo.

Reception

It has been requested that this section be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: include more reviews

Reviews
Platform	Reviewer, Publication	Score	Comment
Switch and 3DS	Joe Skrebels, IGN	8.7/10	"Treasure Tracker still feels close to unique, and gains new life on both of Nintendo’s current systems. Switch is very much the better choice, but 3DS is by no means a bad option. Still smart, prettier than ever and, in retrospect, genuinely important as part of Nintendo’s modern history, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a rare example of a game that actually feels better for being a few years old."
Switch	Glen Fox, Nintendo Life	8.1/10	"Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a hidden gem from the Wii U era that's been given a new lease of life on the Nintendo Switch, and rightly so. New levels and fresh multiplayer are welcome inclusions but it's a bit of a shame that we've lost four levels as a result – and for no apparent reason. Still, all being said, this is a wonderful and gorgeous puzzler fit for all ages, and one which you should definitely experience if you're yet to."

References to other games

• Super Mario Odyssey: Four levels based on the Sand, Cascade, Metro, and Luncheon Kingdoms appear, replacing the levels from Super Mario 3D World in the original game.
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: The Super Crown appears after Chaos in the Grand Labyrinth is beaten.

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

• 

  Captain Toad in the level Uptown, Downtown in the Nintendo Switch version

• 

  Captain Toad running from a Shy Guy in Mushroom Mesa in the Nintendo 3DS version

Staff

Main article: List of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Nintendo Switch / Nintendo 3DS) staff

Pre-release and unused content

All of the Captain Toad levels from Super Mario 3D World, as well as the levels in the Wii U version of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker that are based on Super Mario 3D World, are in the Nintendo Switch version as hidden code. Additionally, there are several test levels, as well as new ones unique to the Nintendo Switch version, most are in a fully playable state. The Nintendo Switch version of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker has nearly half of its levels inaccessible:

• A nearly-finished cake themed stage named "WholeCakeStage". The platforms are supposed to move, but the code to move them is missing, and there is no music.
• A stage based on Flipswitch Panels, called "DoubleZoneFlipStage". Some of the code is not finished, and a Piranha Creeper, two Stingbies, and a Clear Pipe Cannon separating the areas.
• A cave area called "UndergroundTouchCaveStage". A grassy meadow is above with a Piranha Creeper, and stepping into the cave leads Captain Toad to an underground chamber with Touchstones and spikes. There is also water, which is unusually glossy and reflective. This stage was actually shown in the E3 reveal for the Wii U version.
• A debug stage called "Kinopio01" with several Spikes and crates.
• Another debug stage called "Kinopio08", that only has lifts and some coins. It cannot be completed.
• Another debug stage called "KinopioSampleStage", that is just a platform with three Super Gems and the Power Star.
• Another debug stage called "SampleCoin", with many items. It cannot be completed.
• A sinking boat level whose models and coding is mostly missing.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	進め！キノピオ隊長 Susume! Kinopio taichō	Onward! Captain Toad