Sand Kingdom

Not to be confused with Desert Kingdom.

Sand Kingdom
Home of Red Sands and Lively Locals
Tostarena
Gateway to the stark beauty of the desert.
Population	Middling
Size	Expansive
Locals	Tostarenans, Moe-Eyes
Currency	Pyramid-shaped
Industry	Tourism, Precious stones
Temperature	Average 104°F (40°C)
First appearance	Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
Latest appearance	The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

The Sand Kingdom is the third kingdom visited in Super Mario Odyssey. It is the greater location of Tostarena, which is a desert village featuring a small town and a large ruins area. This kingdom's main landmark is the Inverted Pyramid, which is an upside-down pyramid located in the north-east section of the area. When Mario first visits here, the kingdom is covered with large pillars of ice and Bowser is found atop the Inverted Pyramid. The player's first objective in this kingdom is to reach the "highest tower". From there, the player must find Moon Shards in the Moe-Eye habitat. After that, they reach the top of the Inverted Pyramid and fight Hariet, one of the Broodals, which will grant the player a Multi Moon. When collected, the player is teleported back to the Odyssey, and the kingdom cycles to a night-time version, where the Inverted Pyramid floats into the air, revealing a large hole underneath. The kingdom is also overrun by Chinchos during the night-time, which Mario must avoid as he heads to the large hole under the Inverted Pyramid. Once the player enters, he must traverse through an icy Underground Temple and then fight Knucklotec at the end of the Temple. Defeating this boss rewards Mario with another Multi Moon, which (when collected) reverts the kingdom back to daytime and causes almost all the ice on the surface of the kingdom to melt, allowing access to more Power Moons. Once Mario has collected enough Power Moons, he can head off to the next kingdom - either the Lake Kingdom or the Wooded Kingdom may be chosen, but not both at this point.

The Sand Kingdom was the first location shown in the game, dating back to the first Nintendo Switch reveal trailer. It is located east of the Cascade Kingdom, southwest of the Lake Kingdom, and northwest of the Wooded Kingdom. These three kingdoms are all located on a large landmass resembling Pangaea.

The location is primarily based off of Mesoamerica, particularly Mexico. However, other aspects allude to different countries, with Moe-Eyes inspired by the moai statues from Easter Island and the Jaxis presumably inspired by the komainu from Japan. The name "Tostarena" is likely from the Spanish words "tostado" (toasted) and "arena" (sand).

Concept and creation

Concept art of an early version of Tostarena

Tostarena Town

The gate to Tostarena Ruins

Concept art of locations in Tostarena

Tostarena was based on Mexico because the director of Super Mario Odyssey, Kenta Motokura, liked the country and his trip there had left a strong impression on him. Initially, it was considered whether Tostarena should be visited during the sunset. The sketch of the early design showed that the poncho and sombrero were already considered as the location's typical outfits, even though the motif of the sombrero was different and the poncho was supposed to be worn over Mario's usual suit and to be paired with boots. The concept art already included Tostarena Town, Tostarena Ruins and the Inverted Pyramid, as well as the ice pillars covering parts of the desert. The main visible differences are the town having just two rows of buildings forming one street while featuring a wooden gate at the entrance and the Inverted Pyramid being actually a floating pyramid resembling that of Chichen Itza. Some elements featured in Tostarena were reportedly influenced by Super Mario Land, another game that features desert sphinxes and moai-like beings.

Tostarena Town in particular was designed to create a contrast between the curved lines of the dunes and the more linear design of the buildings. Furthermore, the color of the building was chosen to reflect the cheerful nature of the Tostarenans. The concept art also shows that initially the town was supposed to have a bridge built over a road.

On the other hand, the gate to Tostarena Ruins was designed to resemble an inverted triangle as a recall to the Inverted Pyramid. The concept artwork showed how the Power Moons of Tostarena were initially intended to be red instead of the final green color.

Brochure details

The bright colors of Tostarena.

Tostarenan Town

A small town that serves as the hub for tourists planning to visit the Inverted Pyramid. The colorful buildings and cheerful people provide a warm welcome for visitors. They're happy to provide direction, so don't hesitate to say hello.

The ruins greet you with an impressive gate.

Mysterious Ancient Ruins

Head north from town and you'll be greeted by ancient ruins that dot the expansive desert. Though many have become conflict regions patrolled by Bullet Bills, their status as important heritage sites is undeniable.

Your eye will be drawn to the large stone tower at the heart of the ruins. Due to extensive hollowing underground, quicksand has become prevalent in this area, so watch out.

Like a precious gem itself.

Inverted Pyramid

The true "can't miss" of this region, the Inverted Pyramid may look unstable, but rest assured it never topples and has thrilled tourists for years. It is said that a legendary artifact called the Binding Band lies within, and the upside-down pyramid symbolizes how those joined by it will never part even if the world turns upside down.

Payment required in advance.

Jaxi

Let's have a look at the curious local transport method known as the Jaxi.

Just hop on the back of one, and as you might guess from their appearance, you'll be in for a wild but completely reliable ride.

Make good use of them and you'll be exploring this unforgiving desert in comfort and style.

So beautiful you'll think you're at a resort.

Living Heart of the Desert

Here's a spot to moisten your dried and withered heart, with greenery and water to make you forget you're in the desert. The fish and birds are plentiful and well worth a visit.

The Moe-Eyes love their shades.

They'll run if chased, but they're a proud people who have long inhabited these ruins. Please be polite.

Three Keys to the Kingdom

1. Enjoy the small but lively desert village and its charming inhabitants.
2. Wonder at the Inverted Pyramid and its upside-down magic.
3. Watch for the gem iconography carved in relief on the ruins.

Map

Checkpoint Flag locations

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Odyssey

The Odyssey arrives at the kingdom.

Main article: Odyssey

The Odyssey lands at the southern end of the map and can be warped back to at any time.

Tostarena Town

An overview of the town with a checkpoint and the town's inhabitants.

Main article: Tostarena Town

Tostarena Town is a small civilization found just north of the Odyssey's landing site. It is home to a Crazy Cap and a Slots minigame. Talkatoo and Luigi can be found here. A Tostarenan eventually sets up power lines that Mario can use as a shortcut to the top of the Inverted Pyramid. The Checkpoint Flag is at the town's southern entrance next to a Jaxi station.

Tostarena Ruins Entrance

TThe entrance to the ruins.

The entrance to Tostarena Ruins is located north of Tostarena Town and is marked by a large stone gate. Behind the Checkpoint Flag are a few Mini Goombas (later replaced with ordinary Goombas wearing sombreros), with a few more up ahead, as well as the start of the first platforming section of the ruins. Mario may reach the top of the arch via Bullet Bill or spark pylon to find a Power Moon on top of it. In front of the ruins entrance is a Jaxi station.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	アッチーニャ遺跡 入口 Acchīnya Iseki Iriguchi	Tostarena Ruins Entrance
German	Brutzelebene: Ruinen - Eingang	Tostarena: Ruins Entrance
Spanish (NOE)	Entrada a las ruinas de Soltitlán	Tostarena ruins entrance

Tostarena Ruins Sand Pillar

A Goomba Tower impresses Goombette.

This Checkpoint Flag is found on the platform shortly after the Tostarena Ruins Entrance, starting off the second level of the ruins. Aside from the Checkpoint Flag, there are a few signs directing toward the sand geysers up ahead, a bump in the ground that Mario may Ground Pound to unearth a circle of coins, and a small group of coins circling a chunk of ice. Later on, Goombette appears on this platform, overlooking the area just below. Mario must bring a Goomba Tower of reasonable size over to her to receive a Power Moon. Aside from this, there are not many other Power Moons next to the sand pillar, though there are quite a few surrounding it. The area below this platform has a Bullet Bill cannon, which serves as helpful for finding and collecting some of these Power Moons.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	アッチーニャ遺跡 砂柱 Acchīnya Iseki Sunabashira	Tostarena Ruins Sand Pillar
German	Brutzelebene: Ruinen - Sandsäule	Tostarena: Ruins Sand Pillar
Spanish (NOE)	Columna de arena en las ruinas de Soltitlán	Tostarena Ruins Sand Pillar

Tostarena Ruins Round Tower

Mario in front of the checkpoint atop the round tower.

This tower is the highest point of Tostarena Ruins. It is crucial to the Sand Kingdom's first story mission, Atop the Highest Tower, as reaching the top of it is the goal. When Mario makes it to the end of the ruins, he must enter an 8-bit pipe leading to an 8-bit section around the side of the tower. Mario must make his way up the tower while avoiding Bullet Bills. A small group of regional coins can be found in a secret alcove down below, with a Power Moon in another hidden alcove left of the lifts near the top of the tower. Once Mario does make it out of the 8-bit section and on top of the tower, he finds a Checkpoint Flag and a Power Moon he must collect to complete this mission. From here, Mario must head to the Moe-Eye Habitat for the next objective.

Later on, Glydon appears on the ledge at the top of the tower. Mario must capture him and glide toward a Power Moon above a column in the distance to collect it.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	アッチーニャ遺跡 円塔 Acchīnya Iseki Entō	Tostarena Ruins Round Tower
German	Brutzelebene: Ruinen - Runder Turm	Tostarena: Ruins Round Tower
Spanish (NOE)	Torre redonda en las ruinas de Soltitlán	Tostarena Ruins Round Tower

Moe-Eye Habitat

Mario encounters a Moe-Eye near the checkpoint.

Main article: Moe-Eye Habitat

The Moe-Eye Habitat is an isolated area west of Tostarena Ruins with a pool of poison in the middle. Several pillars are sticking out of the ground. The story mission Moon Shards in the Sand takes place here. Mario can capture one of the Moe-Eyes found here and use them to see the invisible platforms found throughout the area.

Jaxi Ruins

This Checkpoint Flag is on the roof of Jaxi Ruins, which sits in the middle of a poison pond east of Tostarena Ruins. Mario can reach it by going through the Ice Cave or from the top of the Tostarena Ruins Round Tower using Glydon. There is a Jaxi station and two treasure chests here, one of which contains a Power Moon.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
German	Miauxi-Ruinen	Jaxi Ruins
Spanish (NOE)	Ruinas de los Jaxi	Jaxi Ruins

Tostarena Northwest Reaches

Mario stands by a checkpoint atop a floating island.

The Checkpoint Flag for this region is, as its name suggests, placed in the far northwestern portion of the map, in front of a building containing a maze with poison and Bullet Bills, the end of which leads to the roof via a Warp Pipe. In front of the building, Mario may also find a Jaxi station (with two New Donkers sitting on its bench after the story is completed) and the leader of the Roving Racers. Behind the building is a small alcove with three regional coins.

Atop the building is a spark pylon, as well as a scarecrow Mario may throw Cappy onto to initiate this kingdom's first timer challenge. After this kingdom's Moon Rock has been opened up, two more Power Moons become available here. One is obtained as a reward from a Tostarenan for clearing away the many posters advertising Bowser's wedding that have appeared on the back of the building, while the other requires bringing a Goomba to the area from the ruins via capturing to find Goombette. The building's roof is also where the Sand Kingdom's Koopa Freerunning race starts.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	アッチーニャ 北西の果て Acchīnya Hokusei no Hate	Tostarena Northwestern Limit
German	Brutzelebene - Nordwestlagen	Tostarena Northwest Locations
Spanish (NOE)	Frontera noroeste de Soltitlán	Tostarena Northwestern Border

Desert Oasis

Mario stands by the spring at the oasis.

Main article: Desert Oasis (Super Mario Odyssey)

This oasis lies on the southeast end of the map and is frozen over upon first arriving in the kingdom. After Knucklotec's defeat, the oasis thaws. Mario can capture a Lakitu and fish for Cheep Cheeps here; reeling in a Big Cheep Cheep yields a Power Moon.

Southwestern Floating Island

The Southwestern Floating Island is accessed by using a painting found in either the Lake Kingdom or the Wooded Kingdom, depending on which kingdom the player chooses to go to first; the one that is visited first will contain the painting leading here. The Secret Path to Tostarena! Power Moon is found here. A ring of coins is found circling around the platform. A pixelated Luigi is located in the sand directly beneath the platform, which was hinted at in the first additional piece of Hint Art that was posted on social media.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	アッチーニャ 南西の浮島 Acchīnya Nansei no Ukishima	Tostarena: Southwestern Floating Island
Chinese	阿炽尼亚 西南的浮岛 (Simplified) 阿熾尼亞 西南的浮島 (Traditional) Āchìníyǎ xīnán de fúdǎo	Tostarena: Southwestern Floating Island
German	Südwestliche Treibinsel	Southwest Drift Island
Russian	Парящий остров на юго-западе Paryaschiy ostrov na yugo-zapade	Floating Island on the Southwest
Spanish (NOE)	Isla flotante al sudoeste	Southwestern Floating Island

Bonus areas

Bonus area	Accessed via	Location	Description
Sand Kingdom Slots Room	Door	In the building east of the Tostarena Town fountain	A small room with a slots minigame. Three of the same picture must be lined up to win.
Ice Cave	Sinkhole	At the northeastern part of Tostarena Ruins	An underground area with icy, narrow platforms and moving columns.
Sphynx's Treasure Vault	Sphynx	Behind Tostarena Ruins	A small, golden treasure vault with many coin piles and a treasure chest containing a Power Moon. Mario can only access this room after answering the Sphynx's question correctly. The coins do not reappear if Mario revisits the vault after he has already collected them.
Rumbling Floor Room	Warp Pipe	On the balcony of the pink building northwest of the Tostarena Town fountain	A small room where the player must locate a Power Moon by feeling a vibration from the floor through the controller.
Dance Room	Locked door guarded by a Tostarenan	In the small tower at Tostarena Town's northwestern corner	A small room with dancing Tostarenans where Mario performs a song on the stage to earn a Power Moon. Mario can only enter this room while wearing the sombrero and poncho or the Skeleton Suit.
The Invisible Maze	Red door	Northeast of Moe-Eye Habitat on the other side of the chasm	A temple-like area featuring an invisible path within corridors filled with poison and Moe-Eyes, which Mario must capture to reveal the path forward.
The Bullet Bill Maze	Red door	At the Tostarena Northwest Reaches	A maze-like area filled with poison which Mario must capture a Bullet Bill to traverse.
Jaxi Ruins Underground	Tunnel	Underneath the Jaxi Ruins Checkpoint Flag	An underground temple-like area filled with poison which Mario must ride a Jaxi to traverse.
The Strange Neighborhood	Mini Rocket	On the northeastern building of Tostarena Town	A platforming area featuring rotating building-like structures. When Mario arrives, he must throw Cappy onto a scarecrow to activate a road leading to the rotating platforms, then traverse them without Cappy's help.
The Transparent Platforms	Moon Pipe	On the left raised platform in front of Tostarena Town	A narrow area featuring invisible platforms and lifts over a wide chasm through which Mario must travel as a Moe-Eye.
Colossal Ruins	Moon Pipe	At the Tostarena Ruins Entrance	After capturing a spark pylon, Mario will arrive at a racetrack-like area over a sea of poison featuring several Rocket Flowers which Mario must use to get a Power Moon at the end, as well as grabbing a key to reveal another Power Moon before the ruins completely sink into the poison. Unlike in other bonus areas, collecting the key does not interrupt gameplay to show the locked panel opening the Power Moon, instead causing it to open immediately; this is likely to prevent the player from losing control with the Rocket Flowers and falling off the level.
Freezing Waterway	Moon Pipe	At the northeastern edge of the desert, east of the Inverted Pyramid and the Underground Temple entrance	A tunnel-like area featuring pools of both poison and cold water. It also features Gushens, which Mario must capture to traverse. There are several places of cold water so Mario can regenerate the Gushen's water reserve.

Enemies and obstacles

Enemies marked with an asterisk (*) are only found in bonus areas.

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  Goombas

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  Mini Goombas

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  Bullet Bills

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  8-bit Bullet Bills

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  8-bit Goombas

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  Coin Coffers

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  Chinchos

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  Pulse Beams

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  Gushens*

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  Hariet (boss)

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  Knucklotec (boss)

Objectives

1. Atop the Highest Tower: The goal is to reach the top of the tower in the Tostarena Ruins.
2. Moon Shards in the Sand: The goal is to collect the Moon Shards on the west side of the kingdom.
3. Showdown on the Inverted Pyramid: The goal is to reach the top of the Inverted Pyramid and defeat Hariet.
4. The Hole in the Desert: This objective takes place at night. The goal is to enter the hole beneath the Inverted Pyramid and defeat Knucklotec.

Paintings

The painting that leads to the Metro Kingdom

There are two paintings in this kingdom. One can be found near the east side of the Tostarena Ruins, in a tilted pillar next to a Jaxi calling post. The painting leads to the Isolated Rooftop at the Metro Kingdom. It can only be accessed after completing the "Showdown on the Inverted Pyramid" mission.

The other painting is located at the Southwestern Floating Island, which can be accessed from the Wooded Kingdom or the Lake Kingdom.

Power Moons

The Sand Kingdom has green Power Moons.

Main article: List of Power Moons in the Sand Kingdom

There are a total of 93 Power Moons (87 regular Power Moons and 2 Multi Moons) in the Sand Kingdom, the second-highest amount in the game after the Mushroom Kingdom. During the player's first visit to this kingdom, they can collect 59 of the Power Moons and the 2 Multi Moons. The player can also collect a Power Moon if they travel to this kingdom using a painting found in a future kingdom (either the Lake or Wooded Kingdom). One additional Power Moon can also be found when the player encounters the Desert Wanderer in the kingdom (after meeting him in all of the other locations he appears in). After the player defeats Bowser in the Moon Kingdom, 6 more Power Moons become available to collect. The Moon Rock will also be available to destroy, causing 20 additional Power Moons to be accessible.

In order to progress to the next kingdom, the player must collect at least 16 Power Moons.

Regional coins

Main article: List of regional coins in the Sand Kingdom

The Sand Kingdom contains 100 regional coins, which take the form of triangles with designs of the Inverted Pyramid engraved on them.

Crazy Cap items

Item	Description	Price	Note
Sombrero	Traditional Tostarenan hat. Keeps the sun out of your eyes and just plain fun to wear.	5	Required for "Dancing with New Friends"
Poncho	Traditional folk dress of the Tostarena region. Keeps the sun off and the breezes on.	10	Required for "Dancing with New Friends"
Cowboy Hat	A classic hat, perfectly suited for wearing as you ride into sunsets.	20	Required for "That 'Old West' Style"
Cowboy Outfit	Old-fashioned duds with a frontier feel. Gunslinging and cow-punching optional.	25	Required for "That 'Old West' Style"
Inverted Pyramid Model	A famous location in the Tostarena ruins. Even the tiniest details are faithfully re-created, like the reliefs etched onto the walls.	25	N/A
Jaxi Statue	In the Tostarena region, the Jaxi has lived alongside the people since the ancient times. This statue is made from the stones of the ruins!	5	N/A
Sand Kingdom Sticker	A sticker inspired by the Inverted Pyramid.	10	N/A
Sand Kingdom Power Moon	A Power Moon that was discovered in Tostarena.	100	N/A

Appearances in other media

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Main article: Secret of the Inverted Pyramid

A new level inspired by the Sand Kingdom appears in the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch versions of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, which features miniature versions of the Tostarena Ruins, Inverted Pyramid and ice cave. Bullet Bills and Goombas appear as enemies in the level. A Pull Switch can be found on top of the Inverted Pyramid which causes it to rise from the ground and turn the level to nighttime.

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  The Tostarena Ruins

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  The Inverted Pyramid

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  The ice cave

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  The level at night

The Sand Kingdom also appears after the credits, where Captain Toad and Toadette arrive in a minecart. The Odyssey flies over, and Captain Toad chases after it.

The kingdom is accidentally referred to as the Desert Kingdom in the Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker overview trailer, posted by Nintendo on their North American YouTube channel.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

The Desert Area in The Super Mario Bros. Movie

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Toad's backpack has three pins on it that have the designs of stickers from Super Mario Odyssey, with one of them being based on the Tostarena sticker. Additionally, the Sand Kingdom itself, known as the Desert Area, can be seen on a map showing areas surrounding the Mushroom Kingdom and is later shown in the film for a few seconds during a montage of Mario, Peach, and Toad journeying to the Jungle Kingdom. Stone-Eyes can be seen in the area.

Gallery

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  Sand Kingdom icon

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  Tostarena sticker

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  Pyramid-shaped coin

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  Pyramid-shaped currency icon

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  Pyramid-shaped currency icon

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  8-bit Pyramid-shaped coin

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  Clear 8-bit Pyramid-shaped coin

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  Postcard for the Sand Kingdom as seen on the game's preliminary packaging

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  The Odyssey landing in the Sand Kingdom

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  Mario and Cappy

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  The Sand Kingdom

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  Mario heading to Tostarena Town

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  Local Tostarenans

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  Tostarena Town's Crazy Cap shop

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  The Crazy Cap building

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  Mario passing by a Tostarenan

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  Mario playing a guitar

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  Mini Goombas pursing Mario

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  Mario capturing a Goomba

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  8-bit section in Tostarena Ruins

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  Bowser's airship above the Inverted Pyramid

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  The Broodals in their airship

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  Mario riding a Jaxi through the desert

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  Mario riding a Jaxi through the desert

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  Tostarena Town at night

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  Knucklotec attacking Mario

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  Mario standing next to a Pixel Luigi

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  The full Japanese brochure for the Sand Kingdom

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  Promotional wallpaper

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  A Japanese commercial promoting the Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary

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  Toads also looking at a map of the Mushroom Kingdom and surrounding areas

Names in other languages

Sand Kingdom

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	砂の国 Suna no kuni	Sand Country
Chinese (simplified)	沙之国 Shā zhī guó	Sand Country
Chinese (traditional)	沙之國 Shā zhī guó	Sand Country
Dutch	Woestijnrijk	Desert Realm
French	Pays des Sables	Sands Country
German	Wüstenland	Desert Country
Italian	Regno delle Sabbie Regione desertica	Sands Kingdom Desert region (The Super Mario Bros. Movie - Monopoly)
Korean	모래 왕국 Morae Wangguk	Sand Kingdom
Russian	Песчаное царство Peschanoye tsarstvo	Sand Kingdom
Spanish	Reino de las Arenas	Sands Kingdom

Tostarena

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	アッチーニャ Acchīnya	From「あっちい」(acchii), a diminutive form of「暑い」(atsui, hot), and the suffix for place names "-nia"; officially romanized as "Atchinya"
Chinese (simplified)	阿炽尼亚 Āchìníyǎ	From the Japanese name;「炽/熾」(chì) also means "burning hot"
Chinese (traditional)	阿熾尼亞 Āchìníyǎ	Same as in simplified Chinese
Dutch	Zonnesteekstad	Sunstroke City
French	Ifézèc	From "il fait sec" (a French phrase meaning "it is dry")
German	Brutzelebene	Sizzle Plain
Italian	Tostalandia	From "Tostato" and the place names suffix "-landia" (land)
Korean	아뜨레나 Atteurena	From "아뜨" (atteu, a Korean expression meaning "hot") and "arena" (Spanish for "sand")
Russian	Тостарена Tostarena	Tostarena
Spanish	Soltitlán	From "sol" (sun) and the Nahuatl suffix "-tlān" (hispanicized as "-titlán"; meaning "place of"), commonly found in town names in Mexico and some countries of Central America